For Emma Cate as you prepare to leave for college this weekend…

For the past 18 years it’s been our job to keep you safe. We have protected you, comforted you, listened to you, cried with you, laughed with you, and been your biggest supporter. You, in turn, have been our light, our joy, our heart.

There’s a saying that goes “There are only two lasting things you can give your children. One is roots and the other is wings.” In fact, I wrote a whole blog post on this in 2017 when your brother left for college and it is still relevant on this occasion. Link here. https://senseimomma.wordpress.com/2017/08/?theme_preview=true&iframe=true&frame-nonce=bad3e4dbc4

Remember how many Disney movies we’ve watched together over the years? (Ah, so many life lessons in so many Disney movies!) But let me remind you of one that we watched a million times when you were little; A Bug’s Life. A favorite life lesson comes in an interaction about a seed.

To get the full flashback experience, here’s the dialogue between Flik, the inventive and courageous protagonist, and Dot, the young princess ant, in the scene I’m referring to:

Flik: Here, pretend — pretend that that’s a seed.
Dot: It’s a rock.
Flik: Oh, I know it’s a rock, I know. But let’s just pretend for a minute that it’s a seed, alright? We’ll just use our imaginations. Now, now do you see our tree? Everything that made that giant tree is already contained inside this tiny little seed. All it needs is some time, a little bit of sunshine and rain, and voilá!
Dot: This rock will be a tree?
Flik: Seed to tree. You’ve gotta work with me, here. Alright? Okay. Now, y-you might not feel like you can do much now, but that’s just because, well, you’re not a tree yet. You just have to give yourself some time. You’re still a seed.
Dot: But it’s a rock.
Flik: [shouting] I know it’s a rock! Don’t you think I know a rock when I see a rock? I’ve spent a lot of time around rocks!
Dot: You’re weird, but I like you.

You’re ready, Emma. It’s now time to hold our breath and watch your wings catch the wind to take flight.

Sometimes your flight will be a bit turbulent. Sometimes it will be smooth and calm. Just know that it’s okay to be scared sometimes. It’s okay to worry sometimes. And it’s okay to wonder if you can handle all the bumps that will come along with the ride. News flash: You CAN. Trust your beautiful wings.

Everything contained in your roots has already made your tree strong and mighty. Know when to branch out. Have soft yet thick skin. Be deeply rooted and stand firm. I have no doubt you will be the most breathtaking in all the forest.