Yesterday Grace picked up her Chromebook for school. Somehow, she is a senior already who volunteers, plays tennis, rides horses, and prioritizes time with friends. The start of this school year signals the end and the beginning of so many things, but she only partially realizes what is ahead. She is aware that more independence will be expected, but she doesn't recognize the little things that will never happen again after graduation--lunch boxes for school, Homecoming dances, school bus rides to tennis meets, hallway music as she walks to class, and the comfort of familiar faces at her lunch table. Will these friendships follow her, or is this the end for those, too? I also understand that after homecoming and prom shopping one more time, the next dress I help her pick out could be her wedding gown. My baby is legally an adult, and yet I see her 5-year-old face through the car window as she drives to school! It never gets easier to watch.
We have tried to make the most of these past few years by making memories we hope will last a lifetime. Our 41-state, 8-month motorhome adventure was a blast, then spending 2 weeks in DC this summer, and even binge-watching Andy Griffith (her favorite). And we continue to push her toward independence by sending her to church camp, accompanying her to college visits, and trusting her to manage her time with less oversight. I know in my heart that she will be ready, but I'm not sure she realizes it yet.
So here we go... off to her senior year! The year of lasts and firsts for all of us. She seems excited to get back to school friends and routines, but I'm not sure I will ever be prepared completely for the beginning of the end of high school. We love her so much!
