Dear Daughter on Your Last Day of Preschool,

Violet, most parents would say they can’t believe this day has come. I didn’t think I’d be one of them. But then, for the first time in months, I had to wake you up to start the day.

I stared at you in silence, the only sound was your rhythmic breaths. You’re all legs these days, but I studied your perfectly rounded face, still seeing remnants of my baby. I found you in a place of in between.

You are my first. Your firsts are my first. And today I watched you say goodbye to one of yours.

I remember the first time I dropped you off at preschool. I remember the way the teacher looked at me when I picked you up. It was a rough day. You weren’t quite ready to be away from me. Three years later, I have to remind you to hug me before saying goodbye.

I know you are more than ready for Kindergarten. I thought I was more than ready, too. But today, I found it hard to leave those preschool gates. The lump in my throat grew as we drove away.

I’m so proud of all you’ve learned, but more importantly, I’m proud of who you’re becoming. I see kindness, empathy, and hear lots of laughter.

This parenting thing is a constant lesson in letting go. Saying goodbye to a phase of life is always hard, but it often allows us to say hello to something new. And, I know you’re ready. When that Kindergarten bell rings, I’ll be ready, too.

But today, I might linger a bit longer. Today, I might peak in your room before I go to bed. Today, I’ll relish the in between.