Dear Kindergartner:
You’ve got this! I promise, it will be way more amazing than you can imagine. Your mom has made you a very special lunch (probably with a special little note) and your teacher will help you open your milk if you need it. I know it is a little new and scary, but everybody else is a little nervous too. Make your mama let go of your sweet little hand and find your name on your desk. You’re going to have a day full of fun and crayons and recess and friends and even a nap! Be brave, little one. Your mom is trying to be a brave example to you right now as she backs slowly away with a huge smile and shiny eyes. Don’t worry, she’ll be watching you through the “one-way-window” until the principal gently tells her it’s time to go home. Make sure you remember all the great things you did today so you can tell her about every detail when she picks you up this afternoon. Don’t forget anything, because before you know it your kindergarten year will be over and we’ll say….
Dear High School Freshman;
You’ve got this! I promise, it will be way more amazing than you can imagine. Your backpack is stuffed full and your locker is all perfectly arranged and way more organized than it may ever be again this year. I know it’s a little new and scary, but trust me, the other kids feel the same way. You’re starting the part of your life that is going to get you ready to be an adult some day. Pay attention and take it seriously, but please don’t forget to look for the fun. Rememer to be kind to everyone, especially your mom. I know you’re becoming independent, but she is trying to learn how to let you be that way. You’re pretty old and big now, but it wasn’t long ago that you needed her to to get that backpack ready for you. In fact, you may find a special snack or note tucked into your locker today. She is looking at you and seeing not the fastidiously brushed hair and perfectly picked outfit…but your nervous little face looking up at her as your sticky hand deperately clutched her leg on your first day of kindergarten. Let her take a few more pictures. I know it’s a little embarrassing, but trust me, the other moms are doing it too. She needs to rememer this moment, because before you blink, high school is going to be over and she’ll say….
Dear College Freshman;
You’ve got this! I promise, it will be way more amazing that you can imagine. You’ve got the car all unloaded and your new bed is made with sheets that still smell like home. Your mom has made sure that you have some of your faovite snacks stashed in your room and your clothes are all organized perfectly in your new closet. There is even a little note that she snuck into your desk drawer for you to find later. Please try not to get frustrated with her when she hugs you a little too long or too tight; she is doing that so that her arms know how to let go of her little one and allow her to walk back to the car without you. Please make sure to return her calls and texts for the first week or two. Since you’re an official adult now it’s your job to take care of her a little bit too, and she just needs some reassurance that you still need her. This is it, kid. You’ve been working for this moment for a long while and it’s time for you to step out and learn to shine on your own. Trust me, your mom is incredibly proud of you, even as she’s turning away and busying herself with “tasks” so you don’t see her cry. Let her hug you one more time and she tries to remember the smell of your sweet baby hair fresh out of a bath, and then laugh and tell her you’re going to be fine. Remember to thank her, and remember where you’re from and how you got there. Then walk her to the car, shut the door for her, and march into the new life God has for you. Be present in every single moment and pay attention to all of your discoveries and stories, because it won’t be a minute until you’re watching part of your heart walk into kindergarten themselves.
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