Truly a proud parent.

When I found out we could take Hailey back to Russell, despite living out of district, I was estatic. Hailey & I squealed with joy, because we KNEW that's where we wanted to be. It felt right there. We felt at home.

The few months she was at a different school were miserable. I didn't feel good about her being there, she didn't get excited about going to school anymore, she never had one day of homework. She made friends, of course, but it seems to be about all she did.

The day we left there, (I took her half a day on a Friday so she could say goodbye to everyone), she was sad, in tears, most the way up the road. She missed her friends already, but knew we were doing this for the better. The closer we got to Russell, the happier she got, the less tears that fell down her cheek. Filling out all the papers (again) for enrollment seemed to take forever. A lady in the office informed me that Hailey's old teacher had the most students out of ANY Kindergarten teacher, and that Hailey probably wouldn't be able to go back in there. We were sad, but still felt better than being at the 'other' school. Apparently the lady went back & made a call into the teacher's room, just to ask, and came back out with a 'She would LOVE to have Hailey back. She said she loves her & has missed her'. We squealed right in the middle of the hallway...we couldnt contain ourselves.

After the paperwork was done, we got walked back to the classroom. When we opened that door, and teacher AND the students came running, cheering & hugging my little Hailey. It was like a celebrity walked into their little classroom. I just stood there, barely inside the door, with a smile on my face. I felt...happy, to say the least.

An older lady came around the corner, and introduced herself as 'Darla's grandma'. I had heard Hailey talk about Darla while she was gone (among several others). Darla's grandma said Darla has done nothing but cry for Hailey since she left. She said Darla prays at night that Hailey would come back. All the while, the grandma is teary eyed as well. My eyes started to water as I told her Hailey has missed Darla as well. Linda (I soon found out her name) asked 'Is Hailey going to stay for the afternoon?' and I reply 'Hailey is here for good.' She screeched and hugged me, crying even harder and causing me to cry as well. We just stood there, talking & hugging in pure joy. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. She gave me her phone number & told us we are welcome to come over anytime & play.

This was a week ago, and I still think about it all the time. It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen.

I went to pick Hailey up from school yesterday afternoon, and got approached by yet another parent informing me that their child had been crying for Hailey ever since she left. It was Logan. I had heard about him, too from Hailey, and knew she missed him as well. Logan's mom (I have yet to catch her name) said Logan came home from school the day Hailey left, back in November, and said 'Mom, something awful has happened...Hailey Kelley doesnt go to school with me anymore'. I couldnt help but giggle.

There's no feeling in the world like hearing this from parents of other kids, knowing how much MY Hailey is liked, loved and missed by her friends. Knowing she is a great person, and not only can I see it, but others can see it, too. I am SO touched by all this, it just overtakes me. I am SO proud to be her mom.