I really do not know how we reached this monumental point in your life. I am still twirling you around to High School Musical’s Breaking Free. People always told me to treasure the days because they go by too quickly and I couldn’t understand it until now. To be cliche, you really did grow up in the blink of an eye.

There are things I want to tell you that would take too long to write in your card. These are things I want you to take with you to college in the fall and into your next chapter. Please continue reading.

I am proud of you. I don’t think I can stress this enough. I am so proud of you and everything you have accomplished through your K – 12 education years. You are a remarkable young woman… so kind, passionate, caring, empathetic, loving, intelligent, creative… honestly, I could keep going on and on. I love how you care for others and support others. Your volunteer work with Unified Sports. Your position on LGBTQ+ advocacy. Your stand against the mental health stigma. You are a beautiful human being. I am so proud to be your mother.

I am your biggest cheerleader. I will always be in your corner. When something feels difficult, whether it be a class or a situation with friends, just know I am there behind you. Even if I disagree with you at times, I will always be there backing you up.

I see you. You may laugh when I say I know you. Do I not? Who knew you were going to pick Marist for your college experience? I even had the correct reasoning because I know you. I know who you are and what you stand for. What your dreams are. Your passions. What motivates you and what doesn’t. And although I do not know everything about you, I think you can agree I am correct sometimes. I see who you want to be. I see your future ideals. Everything. I see you.

I love you. I know, a no-brainer. Just think of those that do not have the support and love of their parents and remember those three words. Don’t brush them off because there will be a day I will not be able to say them anymore and will not hear them when you tell me.

And, as much as graduation day is about you, it is also about me in a way. I succeeded in raising such a special person that is ready to pave her own path, decide her own future, find her own happiness. It’s because of this that I “feel all the feels”.

I am sad because of who you aren’t anymore. I can’t pick you up and twirl you around. I can’t hear you giggle while I do it. I can’t rock you to sleep in my arms. I can’t take you trick-or-treating. There are so many things I can’t do. So please be gentle with me if I am crying.

I am also excited to see who you grow into. What you do in life. Your passions. Your experiences. Your career. Your next steps.

And just know for every sad tear I shed, there is one for happiness right behind it.

Happy Graduation Day, my Sophia Faye. May you acheieve everything in life you have your heart set out to do. Just remember… I am right there with you, forever and always, to infinity and beyond.

Love, Mom