Dear Paige,

Your graduation is a day I have envisioned for years. On the 1^st day of each school year that represented a milestone, I would shed a tear. My tears were in anticipation of your graduation day. I shedded a tear when I dropped you off at daycare – it broke my heart to leave you in the care of another. How I prayed for your protection. Your 1^st day of Pre-K, I took a photo and told you I loved you. Your 1^st day of Kindergarten, I think I may have shed a tear. With every milestone that comes throughout elementary school, middle school, high school, there remained a lump in my throat. I always have anticipation graduation day.

Funny thing, I think I cried more your 1^st day of senior year than any time before. I watched you walk away from your car and a million memories flooded my mind: the day you were born, your 1^st tooth, your 1^st tantrum, your 1^stboyfriend that was not box-shaped; but your 1^st day of senior year, you were no longer that child I use to snuggle tight with promises that everything will be alright. Senior year, you entered your school no longer a little girl, but a young adult. I cried.

The countdown had begun. Today, graduation day is upon us. A mother’s tears are complicated. Those tears you see on monumental days are not so much sorrow as they are excitement, anticipation, and the purest love any human can ever know. Today, dear daughter, I want to give you a few gifts, in honor of your graduation.

I GIVE YOU THE GIFT OF FREEDOM. Today, you are free to be your unique self, to explore, to learn more, to make mistakes, to fail. I promise to cheer for you as you learn and grow, always. You are free to fall and to rise. To love deeply. To make your own choices. And every single step of the way, you can know that I will support and love you. I am here for you always. With this freedom, no matter what you do, where you go, who you love: You will always have a place of belonging in my heart, in my home, and you’re welcome home with open arms when you feel the need to be home.

I GIVE YOU THE GIFT OF MY PRESENCE AND TIME. You are my priority, whether by phone/in-person. I am always here for you.

I GIVE YOU UNCONDITIONAL LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS. There will be no strings attached. There is nothing you could possibly do that could separate my love from you. I am your biggest fan. Your greatest cheerleader. You will never disappoint me.

I BELIEVE IN YOU. I ALWAYS HAVE, I ALWAYS WILL. You are one of my greatest gifts in life. If you happen to see me shed a tear today, rest assured the tears are full of life, joy, memories, and of anticipation of the journey that is ahead for you. Your life has a purpose. You will do beautiful things.

Finally, on graduation day we want you to live in the moment. As you get ready to step on the stage, listen for them to call out your name and once you are on the stage stop and look out into the crowd. Take note of how proud everyone is of you and how they are cheering for you. As you exit the stage, notice the diploma in your hand. Notice how it feels because this is a day that you dreamed of and it’s finally here. Flash a huge smile as the photographer takes a photo of you for the 1^st and last time as a high school graduate. You did it! This is your moment. Be proud of yourself because we are so proud of you.

I wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter of your life. I have no doubt that you will go on to accomplish great things.