Tomorrow my 1st born child will leave elementary school for the last time.  It is her last day of 5th grade!  She is growing up so fast.  I remember when she was a baby and people would tell me that it goes by in the blink of an eye --- I honestly did not understand what they meant.  Now I do.  How did my baby become 11?  How is it that this precious little one can be leaving elementary school going in to .... ... middle school?

The year that Emma entered kinder was the year that Nate was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes.  We were about a month into the year and Emma was struggling with kinder.  It was a big school, a big class and I felt like Emma was getting lost in the shuffle.  We had just started exploring private schools when Nate was diagnosed.  Emma and her school problems quickly got placed on the back burner and stayed there for a while.  My entire world had fallen apart.  I was barely able to manage so it seemed at the time.  I felt like we left her there and she was going to sink or swim --- there was nothing I could do for her at the time.  Luckily, she swam.  She's a swimmer.  I love that about her!  We ended up adoring her school and she thrived there!

A few years later, Jim and I divorced and I left our home and the only school she had known to start our new life.  Not only was Emma forced to leave her beloved school but all of her sweet, sweet friends also.  Starting a new school in the middle of 3rd grade wasn't easy for her.  She missed her friends and everything was so different at her new school.  She struggled.  This time I tried to help but ultimately it was Emma that pulled herself up and swam again.  She's made lovely new friends and is such an excellent student.  She is so strong, so brave and so intelligent.  Her inner beauty just shines through so brightly. I could not be more proud of the young lady she has become.

So, bare with me tomorrow  . . .  I know I will fall apart when she walks those hallways for the last time.  The Mommy in me is absolutely terrified that middle school is going to eat her alive but I should know better.  My girl is a swimmer.  She will find her way.  I will help her when and if I can but I know she has the tools, strength and knowledge to handle herself with kindness and grace.  She will be fine.  She will be more than fine --- she will be great.


She made me a mommy --- she made me heart whole.  I love her so much!




Hopefully, tomorrow I will have an update on how the day went and post some pictures on her very last day in elementary school.  Pass the tissues, please!!!