They stood at the school gates waving him off, both nervous about the adventure that lay ahead. Jonathon was dressed in grey shorts, long socks and black shoes, a white shirt with a green and yellow tie, completed with a grey woollen jumper and black blazer. He looked a picture. At just four years old he looked too small to be starting school.
'Bye Mum! Bye Dad!' He said eagerly, trying to get out of his mums clutch.
'Bye Jonathon. Have a good day!' Jill replied, tears in her eyes. She kissed his cheek whilst Gordon ruffled his hair. 'And be a good boy and don't go ruining your new uniform, okay?' She let go of him, and with a hand on his back pushed him away; like setting a boat sail into the open ocean.
'See you later son!' Shouted his dad. Jonathon ran to the entrance of the school, his new bag in hand. He paused at the door, turned briefly to his parents and waved and then he was gone.
'I can't believe he's starting school. It only seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from hospital.' Commented Jill
'I know, I know. He's not our little boy anymore...' Replied Gordon, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder
'He'll always be my little boy Gordon, always... I do hope he'll be alright'
'Of course he'll be alright! He's only at school Jill.'
'Just me being daft! All those years ago when I found out I was pregnant, how could I ever have questioned whether I wanted a child or not. How could I ever have questioned whether I wanted him... ?'
'We all do silly things don't we love but the main thing is he's loved by us all and he's a happy little fella.'
'Oh I do love you Mr Ormerod' Jill kissed him on the cheek and held him close, his immediate response was to wrap his arm around her back.
'And I love you, and I know our children love you too. Come on, we can't stand here forever. He'll be fine, trust me!'
For the 1960's the sight may have been strange, a father so involved in his child's life but it was hugely vital to Gordon. He was a hands on father and ensured all his children knew how much he loved them. Reaching important milestones with them, such as starting school, was something he sure wasn't going to miss.