Here we are on the eve of your Kindergarten graduation. The second graduation of many you will have I’m certain. I know, I know. You’re “not a baby.” You’re “a big kid.” You’ve told me this at least a zillion times so why can’t I just get it right? Just this Monday at drop off you told me “I’m going to college tomorrow!” Well, you see my baby girl, you will always be my baby girl. When you walk across the stage as you graduate kindergarten tomorrow, I will be the one in the front row (literally) with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat cheering loudly for my baby girl. So, please bear with me. Tonight at bedtime, you told me “Mom, try not to cry out loud. Try to cry loud inside your head!”
Remember the first day when we walked hand in hand into that big new school building? I was so nervous for you and I think you were a little scared, although you did a good job hiding those jitters. I didn’t. My tears hit the moment I let go of your hand. I have a feeling that will happen a lot through the years. I knew immediately you were in excellent hands with Ms. Wolleon, but I still could not have imagined the connection you would have with her. I’m so happy this year was a magical introduction to learning where your confidence and character grew at a great pace. I will forever be grateful to her and I know you will never forget her and the impact she had on you.
Sweet Giovanna, I can’t believe your Kindergarten year is over. I knew this time would go fast. Lightning fast. And of course I couldn’t stop it. You survived a year of firsts: New friends, new school, new routine, and you did it all with passion. I survived too, although I think you handled it better than I did! And, now here I am laying out your Kindergarten graduation dress. I’ll blink again and you’ll be picking out your wedding dress. Time. Please. Stop. Let’s just get through Kindergarten graduation first. Of course, I am so proud of you. Of course, I want you to succeed and move on to bigger things in life. Like first grade. But, at the same time, my heart is breaking at the fact that our days of sitting on the floor in your room playing Paw Patrol are becoming fewer and farther between. The days where I am welcome in your room at all are probably numbered too.
I’m sure I will cry at each new milestone you reach. You’ll just have to roll your eyes at me because I can’t help myself. The tears flow because I’m so proud of the young lady you’ve become. You’re so smart and incredibly kind to your peers. You’re a little bossy, -but Mrs. Brusoe says that’s just leadership blooming.
I’m a little sad. Not because you are growing up—that’s natural and wonderful and expected—but because the older you get, the closer goodbye becomes. Someday you’ll leave to make your own dreams and discover your own adventures. And I want that for you. But secretly, I’m already crushed at the reality that will be. You see sweet Giovanna, you are the answer to my dreams. What a gift you’ve given me by just being you.
I know this summer you’ll spend hours playing with your friends at the pool, meeting new friends at camp and each hour of independence will make your Mom seems less cool. And that’s OK. But I really hope we have at least a couple more school years like this one. It was absolutely perfect.
I guess I need to know that just because you are growing up and becoming a big, bad first grader next year that some things can stay the same. At the same time, I want you to know that your Dad and I are so proud of the little girl you have become. You are kind to others, you are smart, you are so very creative. You are a remarkable story teller and you are absolutely hilarious. Some of the things you say make Ms. Wolleon text me and I can’t stop laughing. You are lovely. You are perfect.
I loved walking hand in hand with you to the front gate each day and the smile I received each afternoon at pick-up will forever be etched in my heart. I loved having lunch with you, even if you were trying to scam school lunch and blue applesauce (gross!). You were so proud to have your Mama sit next to you and you excitedly introduced me to your friends every time I came to your classroom. I wonder how long you’ll let that be. Can we never let it end?
I loved the school projects and the stars and smiley faces you received on each paper. You rocked your sight words test each week and burst with excitement to show me your 100% each time! You’ve learned so much in just a year! My hearts swells with pride when I hear you read books or try so hard to write sentences without asking for help. You are such a smart 6-year-old! I’ve known it all along.
My dear, you will always be wonderful, you will always be brave, you will always be beautiful, you will always be intelligent, you will always be strong, you will always be kind, you will always be perfect in my eyes.
I’m proud of you, now and forever and I’m so excited to watch you grow. You are going to rock first grade and all the years after that. And, I can’t wait to watch you and love you every step of the way. I just may get a little emotional at times. So just bear with me. I am just a Mama who loves my little girl with every inch of my soul.
I love you so much and I can’t wait to see you perform on that stage tomorrow!
