A First or Last?

Monday, August 11, 2008
Is today a first for my 10 year old daughter or a last? Or is it the last first? Confused yet? Let me explain.
School started today. My beautiful 10 year old daughter started 5th grade. So it was the first day of school. But it's her last year in elementary school. So today I dropped off my daughter for her last first day of elementary school. She was excited but a little nervous. The first day of school always brings on the nerves a bit. My 8 year old started 3rd grade and she too was excited and nervous. Her nervousness showed by being a little hyper. My oldest was a little quiet. Different girls, different personalities, react to life's situations differently.
I'm just so proud of these two girls. They've weathered life's storms and managed to not drown. They're still young, still adjusting to life and all that it is and all that it brings but they manage to find time to laugh, be silly and totally act like kids. They've grieved, cried, yelled and done the things a human being does when life suddenly throws you a curve ball. Yes, I love them. I'm their Mom and maybe I'm biased. But I'm still so proud of them, proud to be their Mom.
I hope they have a wonderful first day at school. I hope they go about the day, listening carefully, smiling gracefully, knowing that they're there to learn and socialize when the time is right. I hope they reach out to new students, introducing themselves and being kind, treating them they way they want to be treated. I hope I've instilled good values in my girls. And yet I hope they remember to be kids. After all, life happens quickly and we become adults all too soon, facing challenges and problems that only the adult life can bring.
Ms. T, I thought today would be emotional for me as I dropped you off for your last first day of elementary school. But instead of being emotional, I beamed with pride. Knowing this is your 6th year at that school, a place where you've been a wonderful student, you've learned, made friends and lost friends, laughed and cried, had nervous moments and thrilling moments, knowing that this year would be much the same and only a little different, I wasn't emotional, only happy and proud. You jumped out of the car, after hugging me and in front of the principal and other students, happily said "I love you Mom". At that moment, I knew you were still the same! Being a 5th grader hadn't changed you at all.
Ms. M, you looked like the 3rd grader you are. You were filled with nervous excitment this morning. You couldn't even eat breakfast though last night you proclaimed you MUST have oatmeal as that's what one of the Jonas Brothers eats. (silly girl) But today you had to drag yourself out of the bed at 6:20, shower and prepare yourself for the big day. The first day of 3rd grade. You were anxious to be on your way, to begin making friendships or renewing ones you've already made. You were ready to get to know your teacher and see what 3rd grade was truly all about. This day is the last day you and T. will be at the same school for a couple of years. It'll just be you, little one. I know you've already expressed your apprehension over this but you will be fine. You'll be Ms. M and no longer Ms. T's little sister! And through it all, you'll still be YOU. And through it all, I'll love you and be proud of you.
I love you both and look forward to hearing how the day went!