The “Hello Kitty” backpack now sits filled with crayons, glue sticks, safety scissors, antibacterial lotion and notebooks. Her matching “Hello Kitty” lunch box will soon be stuffed with her favorites. She placed the order herself – peanut butter and jelly, applesauce and cheese crackers. Oh and don’t forget the juice box, Momma.
Soon that backpack will weigh on her shoulders. Now crisp and clean, on Friday it will begin its days of being dragged, kicked, dropped, tossed, used, abused and loved to pieces. The lunch box will soon start its important job of carrying the lunches I make with care – the one connection I’ll have with Nia during her long day away. It will carry more than food, it will carry my love all zipped up with her PB&J – Momma hopes you like your lunch Sweets. I’m thinking about you and hoping you have a great day at school.
I hope you learn a lot, laugh a lot, live a lot. I hope your school days are happy days. I’ll miss you while you’re there. I’ll worry that you’re ok on your own. You’re so small. You’re so sweet. Will they take care of you like they should? Will they love your little ways like they should? Will you make friends that you’ll have forever? Will you want to invite them over to play? Will kids be mean to you? Momma can’t protect you there. Be strong little girl. Be brave. Be nice. Be helpful. Be polite. Behave. Be fun. Be you.
I love you Sweets. Friday is your first of many days growing up but I will always remember you as my little girl with the “Hello Kitty” backpack that was adorably too big and that bounced when you walked.
Are You Zhazha? 
So precious. I had the image of her in my head while reading your last line. I hope her first day is fabulous!
I could totally cry. I don't know if I'm ready for Nia to be so grown up. But I'm very proud of her, and excited for her too!