To my daughter.
Today is a big day. It’s a big day for you and a big day for us, and me.
You are going off on a new adventure.
Growing up.
I’m sure it was only yesterday I dropped you off for your first day at nursery school and cried my heart out as I walked home.
Today I’m being allowed to walk you to the school gate, one last concession as you head off. After that you are determined to do this on your own.
And you can and you will! Going off to a new place, taking yourself there and back on the bus. Letting me know when you will be home instead of me collecting you.
I know you think you don’t need your mum fussing over you and telling you what to wear and do.
You have a phone, a set of keys to the house, a bus pass and a cash card and you are feeling so grown up and ready.
You are. I’m not. I think that’s the way it should be! Me watching you spread your wings, with strict instructions not to cry as I say goodbye.
You are going to blossom and grow and we hope you will thrive and enjoy this stage of your life! It’s going to be a lot of fun and hard work for you! New friends, new learning, new experiences. I’m looking forward to seeing how well you will do and the new things you will learn and start to enjoy. The new friends who will appreciate you for who you are and the fun you will have and the goals you will achieve.
You may not need me to walk you to school, but I’m still here.
When there are bad days, moments when you don’t understand life, or are scared or worried. I’m still here.
When things come at you and you aren’t sure what to do. I’m still here.
I may not be packing you a lunchbox anymore. You may be able to get a bus on your own, but your mum is still here.
Go and face this new world that you are excited and ready to embrace.
But don’t forget. I’m still here. Always!