The other mother.

 Today when I dropped Cole off at school, I saw her. A mother... about my age, carrying her tiny infant into the building for the first time. I didn't know her, but it was obvious from a distance that it was her first time. She was bawling. Doing the "ugly cry" where your lips curl and you can't catch your breath and your makeup is ruined. It was bad. Her husband, who was obviously there for moral support, had eyes full of tears as well. He was trying to be strong for her, and as they got closer to me, I heard him say "pardon us, it's our first time." My heart broke for them because I remember "that day" for me. I smiled at them, pretty much choking back tears myself, and said "Don't worry, it will get better!" She looked sort of relieved and thankful that I had attempted to empathize. It was all I could say.  And it was a lie.  Leaving your child NEVER get's better. or easier. or any shade of less difficult. It. is. hard. every.single.day.  So to "The Other Mother": I am sorry that I lied. I am sorry I didn't tell you the honest-to-goodness truth. I hope you are able to figure out a way to deal with the hurt that comes with leaving your baby in the care of someone else everyday. And when you figure that out, can you please tell me how? Because I still do the ugly cry at least once a week.