Leave me at the gate please!

My tiny niece is growing up. Jhanvi is all of six years old and has just entered second standard.As usual her father went to drop her in her school today. Today she told him, "dont come inside, leave me at the gate. Her father was quite unprepared and felt bewildered and not a little upset. He told her 'i will walk with you till the carpark area, and then i will leave'.It is quite a quantum jump in the growing up phase of a child, i feel. Till yesterday, he used to park the car and walk with her upto her classroom. Then there will be a big send off session. Reluctantly she will leave, but once inside the classroom, she gets caught up in the excitement and does not look back.It is so easy for the child to grow up and scale new experiences; it is difficult for the parent to let go.
I am waiting for her to tell me not to come to her school anymore. Last few years of her schooling used to be spent in endless entreaties to me to come and meet her in school. Invariably, everytime i meet her 'Periamma will you come to my school today 'used to be her constant refrain. I have gone to her school some times and she used to quite look forward to them.The minute she sees me, she will jump up from her seat and come charging to me. Her school does permit such normal and natural behaviour in small kids!Bless them.
It is fascinating to see a child growing up.While we are watching her moods and needs change and like a rainbow might be there now and gone tomorrow.
Savour every moment!