Dear Quinn ~
School started. You are in grade one.
My sweet third baby is now my sweet little girl.
Grade one.
And I wonder about how you feel about it, in your six-year-old mind. Are you nervous or excited or both about what this year will bring. Or maybe you don’t even think about that … yet.
I do.
I worry that you will find math difficult.
Or struggle to read.
Or feel picked on.
I worry that you will get hurt.
I worry that your feelings will get hurt.
And I go to bed each night with a prayer in my heart that your dad and I are raising you to be a strong and confident little girl with a heart of compassion. That you will navigate your world strongly and fiercely but also that you will have the sensitivity to see those around you who may be suffering and help them out.
That you handle with confidence, grace and sensitivity the little girl in your class or on your team that tells you the two of you can’t be friends because she doesn’t like you. It hurts to hear that no matter how old you are. My dear Quinn, hold your head high and simply say “I’m sorry you feel that way because I am a great friend. I love fiercely and I’m lots of fun.” Then just let it be. Not everyone is going to want to be your friend… and you aren’t going to want to be everyone’s friend either. Handle it with grace. Be kind and simply walk away. That little person isn’t your people. Find your people, and I know that you will.
Those are my hopes for you this year. You really are my spirited child and you have a fire in you that is stronger than mine ever was. I know that you will feel passionately for so many things. So be passionate and fierce about your school work, your friends and your dreams but don’t forget about your compassion… for your “enemies” or the school work you would rather not do.
It’s because of that spirit inside of you that you will soar.
Mama loves you, Quinn.
Love Mama.
