It was the first day of school for Madison’s three older siblings. Anthony entering fifth, Shannon First grade and Julia’s first day of pre-school. Well Madison would not be forgotten.

She woke up early with the rest and packed her sleeping bag, her “goolbag” and insisted I pack her a lunch for her first day of school. She was so excited to be a big girl!

When Maddie and I had to leave a very tearful Julia in her new school, Madison was there to comfort her. “I go to gool too Julia” and she gave her sister a big fat hug.

When we pulled up in front of the babysitter’s house Madison was a little phased, she thought she was really going to school, but soon we all reached an agreement and Madison was satisfied with “pretend school” at the babysitter’s house.

“I go to real gool next year, right Mommy?”

Submitted by Jill Ritts in memory of her daughter Madison Ritts.