First Day of (Government) School

Today is the first day of school for the kids in my area. My commute to work was delayed because of the school bus stops. At several stops, I noticed a group of parents saying goodbye with cameras flashing and tears in their eyes.

A photo to mark in time this great event. The day you turn your kids over to someone else to raise. The day you lose that close bond with your child and they return a stranger. The last day your family will ever be the same.

Let us pray for the children and their families:

O God, our heavenly Father, who lovest mankind, and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon thy servants (Name those whom you wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray thee, and commend to thy gracious care and protection. Be thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of thy truth, and draw them nearer to thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in thy love and fear; doing thy will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, dilligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, through the merits of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, and the intercessions of his Holy Mother and thy blessed Saints. Amen.