Monday, August 11, 2008

Beginnings and Endings

Update: We went, we cried, I cried some more, we survived day 1. Only hundreds more to go.

I fight tears today. They come each time I realize that today is the last day my daughter will be my "baby." She starts kindergarten tomorrow and our lives will never quite be the same. Starting tomorrow, other adults will have significant influence on her life and choices and I'll have to share her with new friends and commitments. I know to some this may not seem like such a big deal, but it's very scary to me. Granted, it sounds like I'm jettisoning her through time and sending her off to college, but sending her off to kindergarten is just a taste of what's to come.

Have I squandered my time with her the past 5 years? Have I taught her about Jesus to the best of my ability? While I know I will still have plenty of opportunities to spend time with her and teach her, it just seems like this golden time is now over and I don't know if I've done a good enough job. I love her so much and I don't want to have screwed up.

3 comments:

nashbabe said...

"I love her so much and I don't want to have screwed up."

I think that part pretty much puts you in a good spot. If you love her and she knows it from how you live your life, you're doing tons better than most parents out there. She's so fortunate. Hugs.

Phil said...

Your Mom felt this very thing -- it's real for a mom. It doesn't hit a dad until she walks down that aisle next to you toward that young dude who will take you away. Be blessed today with the satisfaction of God's saying to you, "Well done with her!"

Allison said...

Just think of the joy you'll have watching her grow and develop her mind. Think of how proud you'll be at her accomplishments and the opportunities to encourage her through her failures. You'll never finish helping mold her into the adult she can be. You've moved from one precious stage of her life to the next.