How are we already here? It seems just like yesterday, that you were climbing on the bus as a chubby, smiling 5 year old, barely looking back because you were so excited about the opportunity in front of you. I know, I know every mom ahead of me always says, “don’t blink” or “enjoy the moment, it goes so fast”, but today, this momma feels like she blinked.
Today, in just a few hours, you will have your “clap out” at school. I wonder if you will smile and give high fives to all the little ones cheering you on or if behind your brave demeanor there will be tears brewing as you anticipate the changes ahead?
Are you excited? Are you scared? Did we help you enough? Did we help you to much? And more importantly, did we let you fail enough? I saw you describe with big eyes, just how big the 8th graders looked when you visited your new school, but then in the same breath, you told me not to worry because you got this.
All of these questions are swirling through my head, but there are a few things I do know.
I know you are ready.
I know that you have had a team of some of the most gifted teacher’s I have ever met. They poured countless hours into both your education and your character. Your teachers over your elementary years were a very special group, the type I wish every kid had a chance to experience.
I know you have an innate ability to lead, but leading isn’t always fun.
I know you have always believed you could do or be anything you want.
I know you are extremely confident, but sometimes you hide your cracks.
I know you will love the new freedom and how classes evolve.
I know that you love to be challenged and are excited for what lies ahead (especially in math).
I know that you will love that your world is getting bigger.
I know that the way earlier start time is going to be a jolt to all our realities and I don’t see it starting off well.
But B. Bug, (and yes, I will continue to call you Bug) what this momma wants you to know on your last day of elementary school is that you are insanely loved. That both your dad and I are extremely proud of you and who you are becoming.
We also want you to know that it is okay to fail. It is okay to have cracks and that sometimes vulnerability is just as powerful as confidence.
We know that you will have some growing pains and friend transitions and that the world is not always kind, but remember you can not always control your circumstances, but you can control how you respond. Sports have taught you this well, but continue to remember that you are responsible not only for your actions, but for your attitude as well.
We want you to know that it is exactly the same in sports as it is in school or really anywhere in life. We have never cared if you win or lose, but that you gave it your all. As your dad likes to say, “It’s attitude and effort.”
We want you to know that you see injustice and as you grow you will see more battles to fight, but pick the ones that matter the most in the big picture and don’t waste energy on the ones that don’t (your mother is still learning this).
So, to my first born son on your last day of elementary school, we saw some cracks this week. Those little moments when fear or emotions overtook, but please enjoy every moment of this next phase, because as this mom knows it goes to fast.
And today I realized I blinked.
