it has been my routine every morning since my son started school here to drop him to school before going work. i usually sit with him on the waiting area while we wait for the bell to ring. while waiting, i usually encouraged him to play with the other kids. i will also tell him that i should just drop him off the gate and he should be independent. today after 2 weeks, when we are nearing the gate of his school, he told me that its time for me to go. he said he can go on his own. i asked him if he was sure, he nodded and kissed me goodbye. i watched him and felt proud and sad at the same time.