Happy Last First Day, Sam

 August 16, 2022
 

My Dearest Sam,

Today, we're having lots of feelings.

I think mine look a little different than yours.

 

You are really excited about senior year--all that is to come--challenging AP classes, football games, final dances, cool retreats, time with friends, building your art portfolio, running cross country, applying to colleges, figuring out where you'll be next, and in general, enjoying what it means to be in your last year of high school.

And as such, you reluctantly let me take this picture.  You knew, that on today, it was more for me than for you, and you put down your backpack and water bottle, so, we could snap a quick photo...I even tried to give you a Cliff bar on the way in...because, I can't help it.

In some ways, I'm sorry that you're the first of your siblings.  The first one for everything.  The first last day of school.  The first to look at colleges.  The first to drive.  The first to figure out the curfew thing.  The first to know how involved we get with all the pieces.

For the most part, you roll with it.  You let me be emotional, and you reassure me that you've got it covered.

So, today, while I wonder how 12 years of first day pictures could have flown by--I'm working to trust that you and I are right where we're meant to be.

You with your wings.  Me with my reluctant Cliff bars.

Thanks for letting us do this journey together.  Know that I'm here on the sidelines rooting like crazy for you.  Here's to the rising, the falling, the laughing, the knowing, the uncertainty and everything in between.  

And most importantly, know that you are so very loved,

 Mom