Tradition

Twas the night before school starts
And all through the house
Not a daughter was stirring
While Mom ironed a blouse

The uniforms were hung
in the closet so neat
While the shoes waited patiently
to be placed on the feet.


That's about as far as I can go tonight, folks. Perhaps I'll try a little bit more tomorrow. I still have two letters yet to write - one for each girl - as is my tradition on the night before they go off to their first day of school. I started this tradition when each girl began kindergarten. I am not sure if they've kept these letters, and I don't remember what was even said in them - but I do know my kids love to get them.

In each letter, I tell the girls what my hopes are for them during that school year. I point out their qualities and the gifts which God has given to them - unique gifts which each of them share with the world. I ask them to contine to place God as THE priority in their lives, and to always remember that He is there to help them and guide them and love them.

This year's letter will be especially difficult to write to TP as she begins her senior year. I am beginning to cry just thinking about it. It has hit me like a ton of bricks tonight that this is her last year as a child under this roof. I have no idea what I am going to say - but, being the sensitive young lady she is, I am sure that I will see a tear or two in her eyes.

The letter to DQ is always a challenge to me because in many ways, it is difficult to "reach" her. Nonetheless, she enjoys reading them - and sometimes I see the faintest of smiles on her lips.

I love them dearly. Now it's time to let them go a little bit more. . .