When I dropped my SweetGirl off at Junior Kindergarten, she was just shy of her fourth birthday. A quiet, bright-eyed, inquisitive little thing; she was clearly more ready for the transition to “big school” than I was. On that sunny day in September I put on a brave face, tied her blonde tendrils into teeny tiny pony tails, and grasped her little hand as we made the long walk through the Kindergarten parking lot. I greeted teachers and other parents with a fake smile plastered to my face, gave my baby a quick kiss goodbye, and threw my sunglasses on my face to hide the tears filling my eyes. How could my little one be heading off to school? Where had the time gone? Would this wee three year old girl be okay without me?
Fast forward to last night, another huge milestone, another need for waterproof mascara. Grade 8 Graduation. Now 13, my SweetGirl is once again proving to me she is more prepared for the life changes coming her way than I am. As a Mama, I’ve done my best to prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child and my little girl; she’s not so little anymore. Still my SweetGirl she’s now tall and graceful, and so much braver than she knows. She’s inquisitive and caring always putting others before herself. She’s fiercely loyal, quick witted with a quiet smile that’s ridiculously contagious if you’re lucky enough to catch it.
Last night it struck me, suddenly this tiny little blonde girl is all grown up.
As I grasp her hand one more time, quickly trying to snap some pictures before the thunder storms we hear in the distance crashes down, I find myself flashing back to that little girl in the elementary school parking lot…..how far she has come, and all the incredible things that lay ahead for her.
This kid; she wears her heart on her sleeve, cherishes her friends above all else, and makes me prouder every single day. Now graduated with Honours, I can’t wait to see what is next for her in this world. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
It is amazing to see them grow up. Beautiful!
Congratulation to both of you,its a big job! Hope she finds her calling and had a lovely life.Honestly they grow up way too fast(shed a tear)
This is such a great post, now I’ve got tears and my own flashbacks hitting me. I hope your daughters first year of high school was great, seeing as this post was a year ago.
I loved these photos, especially the last one. When babies first become a part of our life graduations are never thought of, they are so very far away, I was always astonished how quickly time sped by and the day arrived when my babies did graduate. Good luck in your daughter’s future endeavours, I hope all goes as well as possible for her.
She’s beautiful, and you’re right time flies way too fast.
What a beautiful young lady!
Beautiful words I am sure she will treasure they always
She’s so pretty! So much to look forward to for both of you!