Letter to My Daughter as She Starts School

My baby girl,

How the time has flown!  I swear it was just yesterday that we pulled onto our road, with you buckled in your little car seat, and tears streaming down my face as I realized we really did get to bring you home from the hospital.

The next thing I knew you were climbing the t.v. set, changing clothes for the upteenth time, and racing across the back yard to catch a ride on Papaw’s tractor.

I can’t believe you are starting kindergarten this week.

So many thoughts have run through my head these past few days.

Do I pick  you up every day, or do I have you take the bus home in the afternoon?

What if someone picks on you on the bus?  What if you miss your stop?

Will you eat all your lunch?

Who will help you up if you fall and skin your knee?  Will someone help you across the monkey bars?

Are you going to miss your snuggie?  Should I try to cut a corner off it and pin it inside your backpack?

Have I told you I love you enough?

You have always been my independent one.

You were getting your own snacks out when you were barely toddling; you were climbing and jumping from the top of the changing table before you were three.

You talk to everyone we meet.  You race towards playgrounds, hoping to make new friends.  You thrive when put into new situations.

So many thoughts have gone through my head this week, but there is one thing I am certain of.

This is your time to soar.

But before you do, before you take that leap out of the nest and test those wings, I have a few things I want you to know.

I will always love you.

No matter what.

When you need someone to listen about your day, I’ll be waiting.

There will be days you get picked to be line leader; there will be days someone may hurt your feelings…  You can tell me about it all.  I will listen.

And if you just need a hug, my arms will be open.

You are special.

You are precious.

Your are perfect just the way you are.

And I am forever grateful to be blessed to have you as my daughter.

I love you.