The Face of a First Grader

I can't believe Kindergarten is over. It went way too fast. Even Savannah said it didn't feel like a full year. It was a full year though. Savannah has learned how to read, write endless stories, tap into her creative side in new ways. She has learned the dynamics of friendship, both the good and the bad.  She has also learned how to stand strong on her own two feet.

This was Savannah's first taste of the real world, much more real than we had envisioned when deciding to send her to this small Quaker school. Even when surrounded by some tough kids and a class with a bad reputation, Savannah soared. I couldn't be more proud. What is even better is that Savannah is very proud of her learning and her behavior!

Yesterday, I had the privilege of watching the fifth graders graduate from this school. They were the Kindergarten's Meeting Buddies (Meeting for Worship). Savannah's class walked into the ceremony and serenaded their Meeting Buddies with, "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow." Boy, did the tears flow. Their sweet voices and sad hearts were evident. Savannah will really miss Sarah, her buddy. Just today I received this email from Sarah, our first communication.

Savannah is so sweet and yes, she is shy but I did what my dad says " I'll hint here and there and let them do the rest!" she is kind and happy and a million other things but best of all... she is Savannah. She is the best at being herself. Playing, smiling, waving and just being Savannah. When we were in meeting I would keep my eye on I.V. but I knew I could trust Savannah. I encouraged I.V. and Savannah to speak in meeting but they were nervous. Then one day... she spoke and made me the happiest girl in the world. My job was done... shy Savannah had spoken!

How lucky am I have had this fifth grade girl watching over Savannah. This is just a taste of why we chose this private school for our big girl.

Can't she just stay in Kindergarten forever?

On the other hand, I see her becoming all that I imagined and more. And like icing on the cake, she still snuggles up to me in her bed on quiet afternoons. Sometimes we just talk and sometimes we fall off into dreamland - like today. I can't put into words how important these moments are. I could stay curled up to her forever. As my Sweetie Pie likes to say, WE ARE THE PERFECT MATCH!!