First Day of School Musings from the Mama of an Eighth Grader

Time waits for no man.

Or no mama, for that matter. Just a few years ago, my little Chicklet was starting kindergarten. And just like that, sistergirl is starting her first day of school as an eighth grader. You’d think I would’ve been used to this as I also have a now 23 year old, but no, it doesn’t get any easier. I understand that our jobs as mamas and papas is to raise our little humans to be healthy and productive adults. But there’s a part of me that wants to keep my girl as she is.

I guess you can say I am in my feelings.

My daughter isn’t the run of the mill type of girl, and I am not just saying that because she is mine. She’s super kind and is amazing lovable human. Willing to give her all for anyone she comes across, my daughter is a treasure to anyone she comes across. In this cruel world, she is a ray of sunshine and rainbows. I wish I could keep just as she is, but I know it’s not possible.

So I will sit and brood and reflect. She’s off to the schoolhouse and now my home is one of quietness and tranquility. At this time, I no longer hear the pitter of her feet upstairs. There’s no one asking me what’s for breakfast or lunch. There’s no one questioning “what are we going to do today?”, or sneaking into my home office to steal my supplies.

Nope. I am all alone.

As excited as I was for school to start, I am now basking in the quietness which is now my home. This too shall pass.

Eighth grade is sure to be a good year for her. She’s now the big girl on campus as she will be moving on to high school next year. Seventh grade was full of ups and downs, emotionally and there were some struggles academically, too. The Chicklet overcame a lot last year and managed to end the school year with a scholar award for maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA each semester.

This year, I am looking forward to my daughter coming into her own.

I hope that she plans to still share with me her thoughts and feelings and what her days at school are like. I pray that while she continues to grow up, she will continue to give me the keys to her innermost musings. What she and I have is a dope mommy/daughter relationship, and I don’t ever want to let go of that.

Special girl, real good girl. Indeed.