On Tuesday, my firstborn started Kindergarten. What. A. Day.
I'm not going to lie. I was an emotional mess for the entire weekend leading up to the "big day." I cried packing her first lunch. I cried helping her pick out her first day of school outfit. I cried when I tucked her into bed and kissed her goodnight. I was not even sure WHY I was crying so much- I know it's normal to be a little sad when your kids go off to school (even though I heard rumors that in years to come I will be cheering when I drop them off on the first day... is this true?) but this was a bit much...
As I was getting ready for work on Tuesday, I overheard the radio DJs mention a little poem they read each year on the first day of school. As the DJ began, her voice cracked a bit. As she read, I cried...a bit. :)
(Here's a link if you'd like to read it for yourself! Have tissues ready!) http://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/9119/36.html
Listening to this, it hit me. This is the start of something HUGE. From this day forward, she was no longer going to be a carefree little girl. Her world to this point, consisted of dolls, cookie baking, and playing with her little sisters. Slowly, but surely, other "things" would start to creep into her life- some good. Some not so good. Friends. Homework. Bullies. Deadlines. Smiles. Learning. Disappointment. Boyfriends. Heartbreak.
This, I think, is the most difficult part of parenting. Having faith that you have done a "good enough" job to let go when it's time to let go. To walk away and trust that you have done your best to prepare your baby for what lies ahead. To send them out into a world where you KNOW they will get hurt, with the painful realization that you can't keep them safe and sheltered forever... but in the end, it's these experiences and journeys that will make them into the special, unique, amazing people they are meant to be.
With that, I leave you with a picture of my girl... on her first day of Kindergarten. :)
Live simply. Love generously.
Care deeply. Speak kindly.
