The ending of a great beginning.

My little girl celebrated her last day of her first year of preschool this afternoon. We crowded together in the hallway, those of us waiting to watch our little ones walk out of that classroom door for the last time. Mrs. B tentatively opened the door, an expression of hesitation on her face, tears already in her eyes. This ending is bittersweet, for me certainly, but perhaps even more so for her. I have watched her love these children with hugs, smiles, and good morning songs. My heart has been warmed at the sight of a child spontaneously throwing their tiny arms around her, and while watching her kneel down to gently talk to her students eye to eye. Summer breaks are wonderful, full of big plans, vacations, and lazy days, but goodbyes are hard and even I will miss seeing this group of children together.

Gracie and her friend, Reagan.

I knew that preschool was right for Gracie and, in Mrs. B’s care, she has grown in so many ways over these past months. She's learned so much, and apparently “retains information easily” and is “eager to learn”, just like her Daddy (thank goodness!).  Academics aside, though, Gracie has really seemed to bloom socially. I’ve noticed it during my short visits to the classroom, but it was also written within her End of Year Report, which was a wonderful thing to read, as it was a hope of mine.

Mrs. B sent home handmade scrapbooks for each child today. What a thoughtful and precious gift. There are so many pictures that I’ve never seen of Gracie with her classmates, doing so many things I never knew she did! It has been such a wonderful, memorable year for Gracie, but also for Sean and I. While I will miss Gracie’s teachers from this year, I am also looking forward to all that Gracie will learn and experience when she starts back for her final year of preschool in August. Surely, next school year will be even more bittersweet, knowing kindergarten is the next step… No need to think about that now, though. :)

Gracie, I am so very proud of you and your many accomplishments during your first school year! You have impressed me with your creativity and excitement for learning new things. Way to go, big girl!