How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

Preparing Her For The Path

in Everyday, Family on

When I dropped my SweetGirl off at Junior Kindergarten, she was just shy of her fourth birthday.  A quiet, bright-eyed, inquisitive little thing; she was clearly more ready for the transition to “big school” than I was.  On that sunny day in September I put on a brave face, tied her blonde tendrils into teeny tiny pony tails, and grasped her little hand as we made the long walk through the Kindergarten parking lot. I greeted teachers and other parents with a fake smile plastered to my face, gave my baby a quick kiss goodbye, and threw my sunglasses on my face to hide the tears filling my eyes.  How could my little one be heading off to school?  Where had the time gone?  Would this wee three year old girl be okay without me?

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Fast forward to last night, another huge milestone, another need for waterproof mascara.  Grade 8 Graduation.  Now 13, my SweetGirl is once again proving to me she is more prepared for the life changes coming her way than I am.  As a Mama, I’ve done my best to prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child and my little girl; she’s not so little anymore.  Still my SweetGirl she’s now tall and graceful, and so much braver than she knows.  She’s inquisitive and caring always putting others before herself.  She’s fiercely loyal, quick witted with a quiet smile that’s ridiculously contagious if you’re lucky enough to catch it.

Last night it struck me, suddenly this tiny little blonde girl is all grown up.

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As I grasp her hand one more time, quickly trying to snap some pictures before the thunder storms we hear in the distance crashes down, I find myself flashing back to that little girl in the elementary school parking lot…..how far she has come, and all the incredible things that lay ahead for her.

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This kid; she wears her heart on her sleeve, cherishes her friends above all else, and makes me prouder every single day. Now graduated with Honours, I can’t wait to see what is next for her in this world.  I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.

    • Comments

      • Oh you are too kind! And yes, they grow up so fast, before you know it you will be posting about your babes graduating!

    2. Congratulations to your gal on her milestone achievement! 🙂 Good luck in high school! 🙂

    3. You have done a wonderful job with both of your girls! You should be very proud of yourself and I know that they love you very much. Wow, she is so beautiful. Wishing her all the best during her High School years!

      • Thanks so much for your kind words Deb. So blessed with these two girls and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them 🙂

      • I have to admit, when she put that dress on, and had her hair and make-up done I caught my breath. I couldn’t believe how much older she looked!

    7. Congratulations to your daughter.. The world needs more people like that, you did a great job Mom. I always think back to when my girls were off to school the first time even now when they are adults. Their first day without us to navigate this world. Take care.

      • Thank you! I really do love every second with my girls. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of them 🙂

    8. What a beautiful post! And a beautiful daughter. These next few years will fly by even faster, I’m afraid. But I feel that you have prepared her well for what the future holds.

      • Thank you! I was so happy to have gotten some pictures in before a huge thunder storm rolled through.

    13. Oh, this is so sweet. Bittersweet. We want them to have all things possible, but yet, don’t really want to let go. She is as lovely as her Mama. XO

      • You summed it up exactly. Bittersweet. I love that she’s forging ahead, just not sure I’m ready to let her go 🙂

    14. Oh they grow up so fast, and she is so gorgeous! Congratulation to both of you!

    15. Awwwww proud mom and SweetGirl. It’s amazing how quickly time flies. Congrats SweetGirl on graduating Grade 8! Enjoy your high school years 🙂