Dear
Emily
As
I woke you up this morning I looked at your sweet face and said “Today is the
first day of 8th grade” I
didn’t think much about it as I have been contemplating the 8th
grade ,and you being in it, since September of last year. You had most of your stuff packed up last
night, so getting ready was a breeze for you.
We arrived to school right on time.
You got into your locker and got everything squared away quickly…this is
old hat for you! Off to your class we
go. I trail behind you, my steps slow to
a crawl, finally a stop. This time 2
feet from your door instead of opening it and walking in behind you. I call your name, and you turn not realizing
that I was stopped. I gave you a kiss
and a hug and said have a great day. You
said “Okay Mom, I love you.” And with
that you were in your classroom being an 8th grader. Earning your middle school right of passage.
I
wanted so badly to go back and peek in on you.
I also know that you need your space, and even though I know I will be
there for you for the rest of my life, I cannot stand over and watch your every
moment. My heart is just a little achy
and proud this morning.
I
love you dearly sweet child.
Love
Mom.
Dear
Haley,
I
woke you this morning reminding you it was the first day of school. You got out of bed rather quickly and
proceeded to get ready for school. I
straightened your hair, then your sister French braided it, then I French braided
it, then you wore it straight. You were
just a little nervous about today and all of the newness it might bring. I don’t remember you being this nervous for
school…ever. So in my mommy mind it
meant you were going to need me extra this morning.
As
we walked into the school you went to your locker to put away your stuff. I though for sure I was going to have to help
you open your lock (with the combination still taped to the back). You opened your lock without trouble. Your first class was PE in the gym. You opened the gym door after giving me a
kiss goodbye and stopped in the doorway, your face softening to make sure it
was I who didn’t need you. How did you
know? I made a very confident face and
told you to have a great day and that I loved you. You went into the gym, the door closing
behind you to join the ranks of middle school.
I
stood there for a while, looked at another mom and said “I don’t even need to
be here, but I am just standing here.”
Then I left.
My
heart is achy and proud today.
I
love you dearly sweet child
Love,
Mom
