Kindergarten Reflections: A Letter

Dear Little One,

Last week I saw you off to start this journey we call school. It wasn’t without emotion, as handing you over to someone else for care will never be easy. You were so excited though…. I could literally feel your joy, but I could also sense your nerves. You looked so darn cute in your brand new sparkle tennis shoes you HAD to have. You insisted your hair should be in a ponytail so you wouldn’t get too hot. You even wore the same grin I remember from your first smiles years ago. How could I be sending you off to Kindergarten?

As I watched you hop on the bus, the last five years played through my mind. You were my constant companion, my little buddy, my super helper… my best little friend. I took a deep breath and looked over at your dad. I could tell he was probably thinking the same thing… where did the time go? Is she ready for this? She is so sweet, innocent and little…. Did we make the right choice for her education? But our thoughts were interrupted by your big “Hallie Kate” smile through the bus window, and somehow I knew we had.

We were “those” parents. We nervously got your siblings dressed and hurried to your school. I felt a huge relief when I saw you on the bus still smiling, still loving this new experience. A part of me wanted you to cry for me…. I wanted you to need me in your world every second of every day… yet, I was proud of your confidence and excitement! We took you into your classroom and got you all settled in. Your teacher, Mrs. D, was waiting for you with a big smile. I could tell you were going to admire this sweet woman. I felt relieved that she would soon be the one you would run to when you hurt yourself or had a concern. She would become a huge part of your world. You assured us you were okay, and we gave you one last hug and kiss goodbye and left you in the care of Mrs.D.

I thought about you all day long and really started to miss you towards the end of the day. I couldn’t wait to hear all your Kindergarten tales. Harper and I made our way down to the bus stop and waited for you. A few minutes of waiting, and there you were… wearing your same BIG smile and looking so proud. (I was proud, too.) You gave me a giant hug and then began telling me about your day. I think I got a few of the highlights, but then I could tell you were pretty tired. Later that night, I tucked you in for bed, and that’s when you were really ready to talk all about Kindergarten…. I think you were avoiding bedtime… but I went with it. I loved hearing all the details, and I felt at peace knowing it was a somewhat magical experience for you.

I hope your first year of school is filled with lasting memories and friendships. I hope you stay confident and determined. Lastly, I pray you stay compassionate and caring toward others. I am so honored I get to guide you on this journey. You have the whole world at your finger tips…. Go get ’em, babe!

I love you dearly, Hallie Kate!

Momma