To the bus driver I do not know,

You don’t understand how hard it is to let go of my child’s hand in the morning and hand him over to you.

You don’t know how long it took me to make this decision . . . to let him ride the bus. 

Some may say it’s brave or courageous to trust another with your child’s life.

I sometimes think it can be daring but also really unwise. 

RELATED: Every Time I Leave My Child With Autism in the Care of Someone Else, I Worry

In today’s world, we must worry about things that could happen.

Yes, I understand it’s hard for most parents to watch their child drive away on a bus with strangers they might not know.

But in my world, this is a far greater fear. 

Imagine your child not being able to communicate with you. 

Imagine your child not being able to tell you if someone was mean or abused him.

Imagine your child coming home with scratches or bruises and you don’t know how they got there. 

Imagine your child in the hands of another, and they were not cautious.

Just know that when I let go of that precious hand, I am putting all of my faith in you. 

I am trusting you to take care of my pride and joy. 

I am trusting you to get him safely to and from school. 

I am trusting that you enjoy his company and don’t just ignore him. 

I am putting my trust and faith in humankind. 

I am giving you my whole world.

I am trusting you will care for him like he is your own. 

I am trusting he makes it home safely.

RELATED: To the School Bus Driver Who Picked Up My Kids Today

As a parent, you quickly realize life is one long series of letting go . . .

Watching your child learn to crawl.

Then walk.

Then run.

And then drive away.

Originally published on the author’s Facebook page