Your elementary school graduation was today and I wasn't expecting to cry, but when I saw you walk into the auditorium to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance," I got so emotional and the tears just began to fall. You've had graduations before, for pre-k and kindergarten, but today was your first real graduation. You are moving on from the first chapter of your school career and in September, you will be at a completely new school with completely new teachers and completely new classmates. The reality of all that hit me as I watched you take your place on stage!
When something ends, most people reflect on how it began and I still clearly remember your first day of nursery school. You were so brave and walked out of the gym and to the classroom with your teacher without the slightest bit of fuss. If you were scared, you definitely didn't show it. And when I picked you up a couple hours later, you were happy and smiling! Back then, though, you were very very very shy and I am so proud of how you have overcome your shyness over the years. You will never be the kid who volunteers to sing a solo in front of a large crowd but you also no longer shrink away (physically and emotionally) when facing new people or experiences. When both of your closest friends since the first grade moved away after fourth grade, I was so nervous that you'd be all by yourself during the last year of elementary school, but you connected with a couple of the other girls in your class and have become close friends with them. You don't know anyone at your new middle school, but now that you are a little more outgoing, I'm sure you will immediately make new friends there, too.
I am so proud of you, Lilabear! Happy graduation day!!
Love,
Mom
