my hand, hiding behind my back, shy and anxious as to who his new teacher was, his classmates and the other staff of his school. i could still hear vividly his voice, “dad, please walk with me to my classroom.” i did that for a few weeks until he told me one day, “dad, it’s okay. just bring me near the school entrance. i can walk by myself. i’m a big boy now.” this time, i was the one not ready to let go of his hand. a mixture of joy, pride and sadness filled my heart. joy and pride that my son is growing up confident, happy and full 