finley was broken hearted and jack refused to acknowledge that it was happening and calvary could hardly face the truth that today was the day that harper was leaving... :)
harper actually started school the day before calvary and even though this is her third year starting school i feel like i would be completely amiss if i did not do some bragging on her alongside her brother.
one of my favorite characteristics of harper's is her ability to take what is handed to her. if it is time to go to school, then she goes to school. if it is time to go to the doctor, then she goes to the doctor. she NEVER puts on a show or makes a big fuss. because of that it can be difficult to distinguish her moments of anxiety or apprehension.
when harper is nervous or upset about something she becomes much more emotional. the smallest things bring her to tears, but it takes someone knowing her really well to connect the actions to their true root. she also becomes my shadow. her normal independence gives way to a sudden clinginess yet she still finds a way to mask her dependence by making it seem like she is there for my benefit (folding laundry, setting the table, carrying groceries). i sometimes confuse independence for invulnerability and it is in these moments that i am learning that i need to teach harper that it is possible to feel both independent and vulnerable at the same time. she is growing up, but she's not done yet and at her core is just a little girl trying to pretend that she's ready to be on her own.
all of this to say that the day and night before harper's first day of school were spent with harper being uncharacteristically emotional and clingy. it didn't help that we have had a wonderful summer full of time spent together and enjoying the simplicity of the days. watching her nerves unfold made me want to cling on to her, but instead i reassured her that the next day would be full of wonderful and exciting things.
we all slept a little restless that night anticipating the beginning of the school year, but the morning went remarkably well. harper returned to her normal confident self and we were all ready. she handled the transition seamlessly and her grace and confidence in these situations only cements her increasing maturity.
i have been so proud of her this summer. she has always been my biggest helper and this summer was no different. one of the things we struggled with last school year was harper's attitude. she started to become a little too sassy but most of that caved way to her normal sweetness. to say that i am sad to share harper with her school is an understatement. i miss her so much while she is gone. but if this summer is any indication of the growth i will see this year then i cleave to the excitement i feel to see what will come.
she is such a good girl and i love her so much.
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