First Day of First Grade

I can not believe we are parents to a first grader...I woke Elena up yesterday morning, singing and talking about being a big girl and how special her first day was.  She smiled big, then nuzzled into the covers further, saying,  "Mommy, this is much too early for a first grader!  We shouldn't have to get up this early! "  Hilarious!!! 

I know how much she loves school and has been anxiously waiting for her first day back...I thought I'd only have a hard time taking her to Kindergarten.  I think this was much worse.  Watching my baby hop out of the car, guided in by helpers to walk to her classroom all by herself, lunch box in hand...and I had a moment of pride in how lovely she looks, and how big she's getting, and how smart she's becoming...and then the big lump in my throat and pit in my stomach took over as I saw my baby girl leave.  Literally and figuratively. 

I've caught myself praying for her almost hourly, that she'll be ok, that she'll get through and have fun, that she won't be bullied...she already has and took it like a champ.  She has her Daddy's skin, not mine, when it comes to sticks and stones...and ugly words.  Where I am torn apart, she exclaims after telling me what happened, "Oh, it's ok, Mommy.  They are just having a hard time.  They don't know better, but I do. So it's alright."  Thank You, Lord, for that strength in her. Wow!  She is getting SO BIG!

I can't wait to see all she does this year. I'm looking forward to it, and more quiet time with the Lord I'm sure to have this year in thinking about it...  ;)