I’m too old and Mollie’s too young

Yesterday we took our classes on a field trip several hours away. It’s a trip we’ve taken many times. I enjoy the trip but it’s so very tiring – there’s lots of walking and stair climbing and then more walking. It was a good day, but it ended as it has a for the past few years – with me thinking, “I too old for this.” I’m really not, physically I’m just a little tired, but it’s the responsibility of keeping up with everyone and getting them back safety each year that weighs on me.

Then after I got home last night I got a call from Mollie telling me that the day care where she works asked her to come in tomorrow and act as the lead teacher in the four-year-old room, since the normal teacher had emergency surgery. They’re going on a field trip and she will be in charge of getting everyone on the bus, assigning partners, counting heads as they load the bus, as they get off as they arrive, as they re-load and one last time as they return. It’s not a long trip – only to the college for trick-o-treat, but the responsibility! She’ll have help, but still. Is my little girl up to this type of responsibility? Apparently the day care thinks so and Mollie seemed quietly confident. Good grief, my baby responsible twenty, four-year-olds? Ridiculous!

I guess my title is only half right, I might be to old for it all, but Mollie isn’t too young. I have no doubt she is up for the task.