Originally broadcast on CHED Radio, Edmonton, Alberta Canada in 1963

Mother, how often did you say it?  How often did you say "Boy, will I be glad when they're both off to school...out from under my feet".  To you that was to be the 'D' day for deliverance,...your time of liberation...the day when you'd be free of those yelling, kicking, crying, cookie-begging, little characters who gave you no piece from sun-up till sunset.  Well, many of you have had your big day, but it wasn't all like you thought it would be, was it?  There was probably a big lump in your throat as you dressed the second little boy for his first day of school, and you wondered where the years had gone since the day you brought him into the world.  And big brother...(it's old hat for him - heck he's in grade four now)...he stands by to teach the little guy the ropes...and he even forgives his little brother a few anxious tears.  Big brother stands by at the appointed time, takes little brother by the hand and with shining morning faces, they start off across the busy thoroughfare...into a new world.  You no doubt stood by the window and  watched them go and wondered what had happened to your big day...how come no cheering...no music...no streamers...only a pang of regret and bewilderment.  You look again and you think maybe you can see a tear in the little man's eye...and to you...your six-year-old never looked so small - and you fight back your own tears and the urge to run after him and bring him back home.  You watch till they are out of sight...then you sit down and drink the last cup of morning coffee and say a silent prayer and ask God to look after your littlest angel, and pray that he'll learn the ways of the world well...but gently.