Dear Natalie,

As I write, you're sound asleep in your bed, dreaming away the last few hours before your first day of school. As for me, I'm not sure I'll be getting much rest tonight. I have so much to look back on and look forward to.

You, my dear, have been ready for Kindergarten since you were two-and-a-half, cheering on school buses as they passed by your car window. "I go on a school bus, by myself," you'd tell me in your tiny, yet determined, voice.

You thrive in social settings. You're brave and kind. Energetic and tender. Direct and warm, so very warm to others. You seek out friends who are shy, take them by the hand and include them in games. You rush to those who are hurt or sad. You leap, run and dance with sheer joy, drawing friends into your play. Just as happy in a big game of chase as you are coloring cheek to cheek with one friend, you spread happiness through your wide grins and sparkling eyes. You are a true friend.

You love to learn, Natalie. You tear through books with wonder and remember so many of the details. You ask questions all day long, from the second you crawl out of bed ("What are we doing today?") until the second you fall asleep ("What are we doing tomorrow?") You carry bugs around in your small hands, studying their features. You watch for the moon in clear daytime skies. You stop to collect tiny pebbles from sidewalks and roads. You are so smart and curious.

Your faith will see you through this new adventure. Your faith, Nat, leaves me breathless. You are filled with the Spirit, with such a deep longing and love for Our Father. I could feel it in you when you were little, your interest in prayer and your desire to pray for others. You trust Jesus with your deepest concerns and quickly thank Him for blessings in your life. You help all of us turn to Him more often, just because He's on your mind and always in your heart. You are a precious child of God.

Natalie, as we look to your first day of school tomorrow, I am so proud. I'm proud of the beautiful girl you have become. I'm proud of the amazing woman I already know you will become. You are strong and independent, determined and unwavering. You are good, fearless, joyful and compassionate. You are ready for this next chapter in your life.

The hardest part is letting you go.

The hardest part will always be letting you go.

Love,
Mama