Senior Year

Today was your last first day of high school.
At this time next year life will look much different.

I remember watching you as we walked along the streets of downtown Kansas City over 6 years ago. Crooked teeth, little side swept bangs, pony tail, tennis shoes, and a shy smile.
A moment frozen in time for me.

This one, this morning is too.
A young lady, not quite a woman.
Holding the little chalkboard with the word "senior" on it.

Senior.
We are nearing the end of a chapter.
One that I'm not sure I'm ready for.
A chapter that I've been part of for too short a time.
A chapter filled with laughing and tears and inside jokes and eye rolls and physical and emotional growth.
A chapter I've enjoyed every single minute of.

So while I take the next year and savor every single moment of it, I'll also be grieving a bit for the new chapter that's right around the corner.

There is no doubt in my mind that you are ready for this final year before the next big step.
You have worked hard. You have created this crazy plan and you've stuck to it. You have pushed yourself. You have created a vision and you are executing it beautifully.

I feel beyond blessed to be part of this journey with you.
I love you a whole bunch, A.

Happy Senior Year,
Marie