Separation anxiety-worse for them or me?

We have been in school for a week and today I went to drop Quint off and he cried.
He was brave, but he got a bit teary as he sat in his desk.
I froze.
I didn't want to leave,
I just wanted to grab him and take him home.
The bell was about to ring, and I knew I had to get up and go....
I tried not to embarrass him, but I gave him a quick kiss and a small hug and I left.
My inclination was to linger by the door.
But, I knew I had to go....
They would call if they needed me.

I held my phone tight the whole morning, waiting for it to ring, so I could swoop in like super mom to save my baby....
but it didn't ring.

At pick up he was exhausted, but not sad.
They said he perked up and had a great day.

RUSSELL

Tuesday was Quint's crying day, but Russell was fine when I dropped him.
Thursday Quint's drop went much better, but we got to Russell's school and he burst into tears in the classroom.
Where was this coming from I wondered.
I hugged him, didn't want to leave him, almost took him home too, but I know he can do it, and once I left he would love it.
I have read just rip off the bandaid, don't drag it out.
So, I hugged Russell and jumped up and left.
I lingered a bit, (more acceptable at preschool) but again I finally left.

It makes me sad to know I have to let them be independent.
They have to experience the world a little bit without me.
But, my moment was at the end of the week as I was thinking the separation anxiety through......

I realized.....
I am going to have a really hard time cutting the cord.
It is only preschool, I can not even imagine college.
Good thing I get to snuggle them, protect them, teach them, love them, for many years before that day.