My oldest daughter is a senior this year. I don’t know how that has happened. In my mind, she is still a tiny preschooler running along the beach. But in reality, she is a beautiful young lady who is almost ready to embark on a new adventure as an adult.
As I think about this upcoming year, this year of lasts, tears threaten to flow down my cheeks. Honestly, I can’t imagine our home without her in it. Yet I know this leaving is a rite of passage into adulthood and I certainly don’t want to deprive her of it.
To My Daughter on the Start of Your Senior Year:
First of all, I want to say I’m sorry your senior year of high school isn’t beginning the way you had envisioned. I’m sorry COVID-19 has messed up plans, First Day rituals, and that goes along with being a Senior. I know it’s disappointing, yet one day in the future you will look back and be able to tell your children and grandchildren about how the coronavirus impacted your life.
As I think back over the past 17 years, I see you as a sweet little 3 year old, running around with friends in the backyard, doing gymnastics, and dancing your heart out onstage. One of my favorite memories of you is your curtsy at the end of your first dance recital. Your flair for the dramatic was really shining through and garnered several laughs and “awwwws” from the audience. It is a precious memory I hold dearly.
But you are no longer that precious 3-year old. Instead, you are a beautiful and talented young woman standing at the threshold of adulthood. It both frightens me and makes me proud as I think about you spreading your wings and leaving our cozy nest in just a few short months.
For now, though, you still belong here, at home with your family. And even as you are anxious to let go, I want to remind you of a few things this year.
- Cherish your family: Your dad and I love you. And your siblings adore you. Spend extra time with them, with us, this year. Don’t let the months pass by isolated in your room or out with friends, ignoring your brother and sisters who just want to hang out with you.
- Cherish your friends: Because these are the moments you will remember – lunches at Chick-Fil-A; thrifting with your girlfriends; trying on prom dresses (which you may or may not get to wear); laughing till you pee your pants; crying over boys. Spend time with your friends because all too soon, you will fly off in different directions to begin leading new lives.
- Cherish your relationship with Jesus: This year, as life gets busy, don’t neglect your relationship with the One who gave His life for you. Spend extra time with Him, asking for His wisdom and listening to see where He leads you.
- Cherish the decisions you will be asked to make. You will be bombarded with so many choices this year. Which college to attend, who your roommates should be, which part-time job you should get, what you should major in. It will seem overwhelming to you, but I implore you to enjoy this part of your life. Never again will you be so free to make decisions and change your mind about things. Pray about EVERYTHING, and then GO where the Lord leads. Be bold!
- Cherish who you are. I love the young woman you are becoming. I love your sense of humor and your choice of television shows and your welcoming smile and your beautiful voice when you sing. I love your heart for Jesus and your heart for others. Don’t forget who you are this year. Be yourself, not what others expect you to be. If you can learn this lesson now, life will be a lot easier for you in the future.
- One last thing: It’s okay to change your mind. About colleges. About majors. About boys. I want to imprint that truth in your head right now. It’s okay to change your mind. We won’t judge you or get frustrated with you as you are learning to make major life decisions for yourself. Change your mind as much as you need to. We will still be here supporting you through it all.
Your dad and I love you so much and we are proud to be your parents. I thank God every day for allowing me that privilege. I know I haven’t taught you everything you need to know (ahem, cooking) but I hope we’ve taught you the important things: to love Jesus and to love others.
I love you! Happy Senior Year!
Love,
Mom