Much to my son's delight, I was one of the few "privileged" parents selected to chaperone his recent field trip. (Having a teen daughter I fortunately know to treasure such fleeting affections.) What criteria they utilize to determine the appropriate number of chaperones for a public outing with one hundred and fifty fourth graders I don't know, but I assure you I was deeply grateful for every one of the handful of parents and teachers which accompanied me.
    
     Waking up at 3:00 a.m. (due to fear of missing the 5:00 a.m. alarm which would permit us to make the 6:00 a.m. bus) enabled me to greet everyone at the appropriate time in a near dream like state - which other parents (I prayed) intrepreted as calm. Three hours drive later, while strolling through colonial Jamestown with my spike haired, Tony Hawkins t-shirt clad, son, I even found myself sincerely cherishing our precious bonding opportunity and envisioning a day when his great grandchildren would stroll through replicas of our charming home town. 
     I was also abnormally fascinated with the roles individual children assumed; the leaders, the followers, the comedians.  And  the role I assumed as their designated "parent"; procurer of band aids, bathroom door guardian, dispenser of smiles, compliments, and security confirming admonitions.
     Yes, I confess, at the end of the day I suffered a small headache and was contemplating a large cocktail but... overall, I was and remain intensely grateful for such an intimate view of the life of my elementary school son.

Mama Kim 
Opportunity Knocks
www.lifeskillsreportcard.com

 
 


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