227/365 - The first day of 1st grade

It was still dark when I went upstairs to wake Randi up for her first day of 1st grade. As I was rubbing her little cheek to get her to stir, it reminded me of the many hours we spent when she was tiny rocking together in the middle of the night, in those peaceful quiet hours when it was just her and I all alone in the world, separate beings yet blended together as one. I cherished those brief few minutes this morning before she rolled over and climbed out of bed, for once her feet hit the floor, I knew our lives would be different. Changed forever. She has been very excited to go to school and has been looking forward to this day all week. Something blossomed in her within the last year, and my normally shy, reserved, quiet girl who was unsure about doing new things or being left alone in a new situation was anxious and ready for her new adventure to begin. She barely ate breakfast because she could hardly wait to get dressed in her freshly pressed uniform. She let me do her hair without complaining and chose cute little butterflies to coordinate with her outfit. She put on her new size "2" shoes, omg, grabbed her backpack and lunchbox and was raring to go. She knows the 1st day of school photo drill oh so well and willingly went outside and stood wherever I asked her to and gave me a sheepish little smile that said it all without her saying anything at all.

When we got to school, she led the way into the gym and eagerly stood with her classmates until it was time for them to go to their classroom. Without any assistance from me, she hung up her backpack and took out the things she needed for her desk and went and sat down with the rest of her classmates. As I stood in the corner of the room observing the class and watching what she was doing, I noticed how little she looked sitting by herself in a student desk for the first time, but I also noticed something else...I noticed a beautiful young lady, full of confidence and joy, who was ready to start a new chapter in her life, and for the first time I was watching all this from a distance and not standing next to her with her little hand clutching mine, with her eyes full of tears and her heart full of worry. I can't say I was sad, and I didn't cry, rather I was happy for her and proud that she was finally finding her wings. I realized she didn't need me at that moment and I was somewhat forgotten......and that is exactly how it should be.

I wish you an amazing first day of 1st grade Sunshine. May you learn and grow and become everything your little heart desires.