One of Makena’s favorite cartoons and books is Charlie and Lola. And Lola’s favorite drink is pink milk. So today as I was packing Makena’s lunch box for the first day of school she turned to me and said “When I get home can I have pink milk?”
There were no nerves, no tears, no long hugs. No, I got nothing of that. As we hung up her backpack and lunch box on her peg, she quickly turned away and darted into the classroom.
So that’s it? But I needed more.
I needed a long hug. A ‘I will miss you mama, please don’t go.’ Anything. Maybe even a wave would have been nice.
So off went my little preschooler to her very first day of school. Confident. Happy. Secure. Oh I hope the world is kind to her.
And off went Keegan and I in the car. Keegan longing to stay and play and I missing a part of myself.
To Makena on your first day of school…
Stay strong my little bug. The world can be mean.
Don’t worry about what other kids say to you.
Trust your instincts.
Listen to your heart.
Follow your dreams.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.
Be kind.
To everyone.
Love.
Everyone.
Especially those who are mean to you.
Have fun. Run. Skip. Laugh. Play.
Play until your heart’s content.
Love,
Mama
