Second Hand Memories

At the end of each day these modern-day parents, Wait impatiently in line, For their latest up-dates on their pre-schooler's day, As they check for bags , Lost socks, And Notices, As they watch the time, The traffic that is building, And what to do about dinner. At best they will be given some quick highlights, By their child's main caregiver, Usually wrapped up in political correctness And a reminder of unpaid fees, More often the main caregiver will have finished their shift, Been off sick for the day or left for greener pastures, Or as is happening more and more, Left for unspecified reasons, That can't be talked about, Except through the Rumour mill, But will be on the front page of the local paper the next week. But take heart, Any information about their children if slightly edited, Will be only second hand memories, Or if another family member is picking up the child, Third hand memories. What's that you say, Not at your child's daycare, Which is just perfect, And the staff wonderful. Indeed you may be one of the few lucky ones, But even then your memories will still be second hand, And some information will have been put in the best light, To protect your child. Some of us can still remember when one or both parents, Were there to witness first hand important milestones, In their child's life., Like their first steps, Their first tooth coming through. So where to from here, That is not my call, But can we not Arrange to replace even one second hand memory With an actual first-hand experience. (I was an early childhood teacher for 30 years)