she left for her first day of junior high today, catching a ride with a friend's mom, my heart shredding in that way that mother's hearts do, over and over. i snapped a hurried photo as her friend waited in the car in our driveway.
me: nervous, crying. her: running, excited, hair curled.
i fell in love with her the moment the nurse laid her in my arms in the hospital. she was beautiful, serene, already wise. today she is calm, obedient, responsible, confident, a peace maker. and totally unafraid of the world.
i am afraid enough for both of us. thinking about her starting junior high, i've had this poem running through my head. it seems to fit her so well.
Song for a Young Girl's Puberty Ceremony
I am on my way running,
I am on my way running,
Looking toward me is the edge of the world,
I am trying to reach it,
The edge of the world does not look far away,
To that I am on my way running.
-Anonymous, Translated by Frances Densmore
Such a beautiful girl. Oh man...my heart would be pounding. It so wonderful/sad/scary to watch our kids grow up.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine this point in my life. I'm glad you hit it first so you can help me when I'm there! She looks fantastic- as if that's a surprise since she's YOUR daughter!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing mother you are. Sounds like you are blessed to have each other! :) Love you!
ReplyDeletejunior high! that's so crazy. goodness she is beautiful. just like her mother.
ReplyDeletei'm glad i have you and emily to call and cry to when i have a kid in jr. high. yikes.
ReplyDeletepretty little casey anne. i still remember seeing pictures of her for the first time. SO cute.
Rachel, what a sweet post for your daughter. I love that what began as a month of gratitude has become a year of gratitude. Thanks for sharing what you feel with the rest of us. I love your honesty and your descriptive expressions.
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