I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad this morning when Alise left for her first day of her junior year. Every. single. day. I have taken Baby Girl to school. She started a wee school when she was one. She went to a private Catholic school when she was three and we started the school she now attends at age four. Some of our best mother/daughter moments were in the car on the way to school. And some of our not-so-great mother/daughter moments. When she was a baby, we would look for ducks or horses on the way to school. We would pass the manger scene at a local church and talk about baby Jesus. And during all those early years, and probably not until eighth grade, I never thought about the day when she would finally be old enough to drive herself to school. I was oblivious.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't video her leaving and then shoot the video to Wayne, who said she was driving too fast. Spoken like a true dad.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't give her my credit card to buy school supplies on her own. One chore that I did NOT mind giving up! There's just not anything fun about buying binders and loose-leaf paper. Alise could stand in front of a wall of binders all day!
When Alise was younger, I would go to her school's peprallys with her and on Friday nights, we would go as a family to watch the home football games and she was just so mesmerized by the "older" kids. All the cheerleaders, the drumline, etc. and when they would speak to her, she would just melt. I reminded her earlier this week that now, SHE'S the big kid. And again, it's a scenario that I never thought about her being in. A friend of mine told me that her daughter was very nervous about making the transition to middle school so I told Alise to make a point to say hi and keep a check on her. Middle school memories are not as kind.
Two years. We have two years left with Baby Girl and I feel like I have SO much to cram into this short time. But then, there's a part of me that doesn't want to cram, doesn't want to even think about it. I just want to enjoy my front row seat.
Oh my sweet friend, you are exactly right when you said the days are long but the years are short! It seems to ring more true the older they get! Savor these two years. Know that you have equipped your sweet girl with everything she needs to succeed and be happy and beautiful from the inside out!
ReplyDeleteOh, your thoughts are mine exactly. This year is probably the last year I'll drive Nathan for his first day. He already has a ton of miles under his permit and I know next May when he turns 16 he'll be getting his license on his birthday. And, yes, middle school is rough! My daughter is in 7th grade and we actually changed schools this year (for a lot of reasons) and so I've been thinking about her a lot and also realizing she is growing up fast, too! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
Aw, so sweet! They do grow up so fast don't they?
ReplyDeleteThese next 2 years are going to fly too.
ReplyDeleteNOPE NOPE NOPE - I'm going school shopping so I can buy ME some school supplies - LOL I'm such a school supply nut
Well, I assure it will not be easy but the Lord eases us into them getting their wings and leaving the nest. And, it will be a wonderful time in your life once you get through it. Enjoy these next couple of years. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh how I understand! It is crazy how quickly they grow up! Definitely savor these next two years but thankfully you have built such a close bond with that sweet girl of yours. I will say it is so fun having your daughter turn into an even closer friend. Mine just turned 23 and is in her third year of grad school (PhD program-woo!). And even with her being one state over from me, I can honestly say we are closer than ever and talk to each other pretty much daily. Congratulations to raising such a wonderful young lady!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh... it all goes too quickly, Laura! I felt all teary just reading this post. Big hugs!!!
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