Love Thursday-Graduation

Today's post is for my daughter Em, as she graduates from Kindergarten. (And, yes, she can read it!) I am a pretty emotional person and have been known to cry at just about everything (except Titanic, that movie sucked). However, I am strangely ok with the graduation. I'm ok because I think Kindergarten graduations are sort of funny. But, mostly because you, my sweet Em, are ready. There’s a book that says that Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, I don’t think I completely agree with that, but Em, you have learned great life lessons:

You’ve learned that people are different, but the differences make us unique.

You’ve learned that learning new things isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

You’ve learned that life is not fair.

You’ve learned that there are mean girls, even in Kindergarten. And, I’ve learned how incredibly pleased I am that you are not a mean girl, nor ever will be.

You’ve learned that you are a leader and a role model and with that comes responsibility.

You’ve learned that every living thing eventually dies, even hamsters.

You’ve learned that, try as your teachers might to hide it, you are their favorite.

You’ve learned that sometimes you just need to dance; your favorites-Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and the Black Eyed Peas

You’ve learned that there is a time and place for being silly, but circle time is not the time nor the place.

You’ve learned that taking your time the first time is worth it-my God, have you seen your handwriting? It’s better than mine!

You’ve learned that rules are often arbitrary- like how some words sound different but are spelled the same way and some words sound the same but are spelled differently.

You’ve learned that it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.

You’ve learned that things aren’t as scary as they seem-remember your first time on the monkey bars?

You’ve learned that, as much as we like our friends, there are certain things we don’t share-like brushes (lice, I’m looking at you!).

There’s so much more you’ll learn my dear. Life’s lessons aren’t always easy, but they are necessary. I will be there for you, every step of the way, every lesson, every success, every stumble. Today is just the first of many graduation ceremonies. Please know that I celebrate every achievement, the small and the large, with the same amount of pride and love. I love you.
I am lucky to be your mom. And, yeah, I'll be the dork taking pictures and clapping for you today.

Celebrate your successes today and those of your loved ones on this Love Thursday.