Class of 2012 – an open letter to my daughter
I can still remember bringing you to your first day of Kindergarten as if it were yesterday. You ran into the classroom and sat down cross-legged on the floor right in front of the teacher.
I stood at the doorway for a few moments, fighting back the tears, and watched you as you listened to the teacher. When she asked a question you shot your arm into the air – you had the answer! You didn’t look back at me, not even for a second – you were completely engrossed in the story.
So I quietly slipped away, down the hall and out the door. I sat in my car and started to cry. I immediately chided myself for being so silly, wiped the tears away and drove off. You were just going to school for pity’s sake!
Time passed, and we adjusted to this new stage in your life. Do you remember all the notices and newsletters from that school? I was so sick of reading them all! And your backpack – that thing weighed a tonne! I will never forget when you were the emcee at the school’s Christmas concert. You were great – what a natural!
Then in the blink of an eye you were in Junior High School and then just as quickly, you were in Senior High School. I know it wasn’t always easy for you, but you pressed on learning and growing as a person. Even then, I knew you were strong.
A few days ago I caught my breath as you walked toward me in a beautiful graduation gown. “No mom, don’t cry,” you said, your eyes pleading with me. And I fought back my tears and hugged you. I felt my pride swell as I watched you step up on the stage during the graduation ceremony.
I came across this poem the other day and thought the words wise and appropriate to share with you as you go out and make your way in this world.
Anyway
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be frank and honest anyway.
What you spend your years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
As your graduation theme stated, it’s not the end, it’s only the beginning.
The world awaits you. You are exactly who you should be at exactly the right time in exactly the right place. Use your strengths to hold up the weary. Use your gentleness to soothe those who have lost hope. Use your experience and learning to guide those who feel lost. Be true to yourself – be the same on the outside as you are on inside. Believe in yourself and trust your natural gifts and talents.
And know that I believe in you.
It seems just yesterday you were my little girl. And even though you’re all grown up now, in my heart you will always be my little girl. I am so proud of you and I just know that you will leave a significant mark on this world.
With love, Mom
dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Russ for your encouraging words. You bless me.
LikeLike
russtowne said:
I loved every word of your post, Diana.How different the world would be if every child had a mother who often reminded them:
“And know that I believe in you.”
I can see how hard it would have been for you at her first day of school, but her reaction is proof that you helped prepare her for a moment that for many children is very traumatic. Well done!
Russ
LikeLike
billgncs said:
letting go is the hardest thing, but how proud they make us when they make it on their own. Well done.
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Thank you. I love her so much and am so very proud of the woman she has become.
LikeLike
Jennifer Worrell said:
Both my stepkids went to my elementary school, so I took them with me every morning. When I had to let each one go on to middle and then high, my classroom was so lonely and quiet in the mornings and afternoons–I cried like crazy. Graduations were another tear fest. Lil’ K. goes to preschool next year, and I am already prepared…what an amazing tribute to your precious daughter!
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
thank you Jennifer. I can’t imagine if I had more than one child, to go through all these things 4 times!
LikeLike
Jennifer Worrell said:
Those are happy tears…sort of…
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
yes happy tears for sure, but I’m not ‘at home’ with emotions so it kinda throws me…. 😉
LikeLike
jmgoyder said:
Beautiful words for a beautiful daughter from a beautiful mother!
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much! I sure am proud of her. 🙂
LikeLike
shianwrites said:
Awww, what a beautiful tribute. She beautiful. Congrats to you and her.
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
letty said:
Hi Diana,
Michaela has grown up! She is a beautiful young lady. When I read your story of her in school – her confindence, spirit …well reminded me so much of someone close to her…YOU! Wheewww she’s graduated ….Yeee Haw! Now onto the next season of life.
Blessings,
Letty
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Awww thank you Letty! It means a lot to me coming from you…..blessings to you as well.
Diana
LikeLike
Michaela said:
Thanks Mom 🙂 I love you so much
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
I love you too sweetheart!
LikeLike
Louise G. said:
Is it okay if I cry for you? That was beautiful a beautiful tribute for a beautiful daughter and human being.
Sigh. Crying now! Good thing I don’t have mascara on yet! 🙂
LikeLike
dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Louise, it was a proud day for me for sure!
LikeLike