Dear Daughter
Today, you start kindergarten. One day, we are playing peek-a-boo, and the next shopping for a unicorn backpack. I know you are nervous yet excited to see what all this school hype is about. The first few days will hold these same feelings, but slowly, or quickly, I should say, given your outgoing and vibrant spirit, you will make friends. You will eat lunch together, trade Shopkins, and twirl around at recess. You will probably giggle and talk too much in class, resulting in some embarrassment when you get called out by the teacher in front of everyone. One day, one of these friends may decide unicorns are for babies, and they only like mermaids. I know that will hurt your feelings; you will be tempted to act as if you no longer like them and come home begging for a new backpack. I want you to remember that friends can like different things. How boring would it be if we were all the same? Be confident about the things YOU like.
Before you know it, your first year of school will end, and you will graduate from kindergarten. It seems crazy because you just started school; however, your brother is starting 5th grade, and I distinctly remember his first day of kindergarten. He wore an orange shirt with an alligator, khaki shorts, and hightop blue and orange Converse. I remember seeing his big smile anxiously waving at me as he walked out of school that first day. A few short years later, you will attend another graduation ceremony, although this time it will be 5th grade. And yes, I’ll most likely be crying at both. You will be so excited for middle school. Brace yourself; the middle school years are mega awkward. Some girls will be mean. Remember to hold your tongue in response to these mean girls; word wounds cut deep. Some girls will start to be interested in boys. Save that for later. Your middle school years should be full of making up dances to your favorite songs with friends. Or epic lip sync battles at sleepovers. Speaking of slumber parties, don’t forget to stay up to the latest. The girl who falls asleep first gets her bra frozen (or at least when I was in middle school, they did). You may not need a bra as early as some girls; mom was a late bloomer, so more than likely, you will be, too. Just remember you are fearfully and wonderfully made!
Then will come high school. These years will form some of the best memories of your youth. You will likely make lifelong friends here. Try not to be embarrassed by me when I take you to registration. I remember giving your Nana an eye roll or two as we were in line in the lobby of my high school every time she asked the school secretary a question. Looking back, I can see how she was just doing her job as a mom and probably even fighting back some tears, just as I did today when I walked under the banner that read class of 2031 before dropping you off. It seems weird to think I would embarrass you right now because today I am your best friend, and there isn’t a day you let me forget it. If only I could freeze this time. Some people will have nicer things, especially at this age; you will feel pressured or even want to have the same. Contentment is a hard straw to grasp. I’m a grown woman, and I still struggle with this. Let us both remember 1st Peter 3:3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Remember, you can have a gentle, quiet spirit and still be remarkably fierce.
Try to get involved in clubs and groups you are passionate about. I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but doing so will help you long after you leave high school. Try out for volleyball, cheerleading, and even the golf team (I’ll have you know your mom won the best driver award freshman year). And if you get an invite into Shakespeare drama, DO IT! I often tell your dad if only I had done more drama classes, I could have been on SNL. As your dad and I watch you grow up, we realize you, too, have the same sense of humor, so I know you get what I mean. Hang out with friends and go on group dates. High school isn’t the time to be hung up on boys. And when the day comes that you do have a boyfriend, remember to save yourself for your husband. I gave myself away to someone before your dad. I thought it was okay because we were in a serious relationship, and I had waited much longer than most girls my age. There is a reason God designed sex for marriage, and unfortunately, I couldn’t truly comprehend this. Please know that you can always come to us and talk about anything!
Before you know it, you will be graduating from high school. The same routine you have had for the last 13 years or so will all of a sudden change. This new chapter will bring even more nervousness and excitement than your first day of school. I know it sounds corny, but you literally can do anything you put your mind to. I urge you to go to college and explore your true passion. If you want to be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, nothing is holding you back. And if your dream is to get married and settle down, and you want nothing more than to have babies and be a mom, do it. I spent a lot of my adult life feeling shame whenever another adult asked me what I did for a living or what my degree was in. I didn’t finish college, but my dream came true. Your dad and I got married, and I became a mom and was blessed enough to stay home with your brothers and you all these years. And if your dream one day changes because all your babies have gone off to school and you feel God leading you in a different direction, may you pursue that new dream with all your heart.
P.S. I did win the best drivers award for my golf team, what I failed to tell you is it was the driver of the golf cart award.
Love you,
Mom
