The Hansard's

Another one of those heartbreaking moments. Chloe had prepared all week for the kindergarten wedding. She was excited about it until last night, the night before the wedding. She had drawn the role of "reader." We practiced all week with the karaoke machine so she could get used to the microphone. As Ben and I tried to help her and explain to her not to hold the microphone so close to her mouth, she started crying.

She went on to say: "This is the third time today I've cried!"

I asked her what the other two times were about and she really started sobbing. Through the tears I could barely understand her. She tearfully explained: "I don't have anybody to walk with at the kindergarten wedding." Not quite understanding I asked her what she was talking about. She said she was supposed to walk with Elijah but he had chosen Belle. My heart sank. Ben assured us this could not be the case. He just knew that Mrs. Niedrach and Miss Taylor would not let anyone walk down that aisle alone. Being the worrier that I am I needed reassurance. When my baby's heart is broken, so is mine.

I emailed both of them to try to get some reassurance. I expressed to them how upset Chloe was and they both reassured me it was a complete misunderstanding. I received email responses quickly from both of them. Elijah had volunteered to walk with Belle back to class after wedding practice on Thursday. Chloe assumed he had decided not to walk with her at all. I was able to tell her right before she went to sleep that no, she would not be walking alone. She smiled and went on to sleep. This was one heartbreak that was averted, this time.

If this is any indication of my future heartbreaks then I should really sign myself up for counseling now. I can honestly say I am dreading this growing up business.

The kindergarten wedding is an 18 year tradition at Berry Elementary. The children draw names out of a hat to determine their roles. Chloe drew the role of a reader. She read a poem by Mr. Rogers.

It's you I like

It's not the things you wear.

It's not the way you do your hair,

But it's you I like.

The way you are right now,

The way down deep inside you,

Not the things that hide you,

Not your toys or diplomas,

They're just beside you.

But it's you I like.

Every part of you,

Your skin, your eyes, your feelings,

Whether old or new.

I hope that you'll remember,

Even when you're feeling blue,

It's you I like,

It's you yourself.

It's you.

We are so proud of her. There are 21 kindergartners and out of those there were only six speaking roles in the wedding and she was one of them! She got up in front of about 200 to 225 people and spoke confidently.

The processional...