It's my first day at work after my leave and I'm standing in an empty hallway. I take a deep breath and enjoy the silence for a while. Less than two minutes later the door opens and the first children enter the hallway. elated; for them the school day is already over. While my first day after my maternity leave begins. Some children see me standing, others run past me. Here and there I try to greet children, but I especially enjoy the noise. Meanwhile, the children from my living room are heading towards me. Some hardly react when they see me and immediately start doing their own thing. Others give me a warm hug and ask how I am doing. 
I am proud to tell you about my daughter who was born last May. The children are enthusiastic and want to see a picture. Then they walk into the living room. I watch them with a big smile on my face. How grateful I am for this genuine interest.
Sometimes I can curse society, its harshness and selfishness. Young children playing shooting games as if killing were the most natural thing in the world. And then I wonder what it will be like in 30 years. When these kids are adults. How do they grow up? Do they also become so hard or do they keep their goodness. Can they see through the misery and continue to see the beauty of man?
And then I experience this on my first day at work. The human/child in its purest form, as we should be. Sincere and warm. Grateful that I - even if only for a short time - can be a part of all these beautiful lives and can be of influence and realize: Yes, I'm back!
Love, Marit
