Middle School

 I am sure many more posts about middle school are to come as we enter this difficult, new chapter of our lives but today is the first one. 

My first baby is in middle school. I don't know how I feel. Kind of stunned, kind of numb, kind of anxious. Proud of her and how far she's come and grown, of course. I just have a pit in my stomach when I think about the future drama and meanness she'll have to encounter. I dread the thought of her witnessing fights (or god forbid being in one) in the school cafeteria or elsewhere. She sadly has to walk through a metal detector before school every day. (Yes, it should be more reassuring but geez, the fact we've resorted to doing that is just crazy.) I dread how hard classes and homework will be. I dread (more of) the hormones and her mental health taking a toll. I dread her feeling lost and like she doesn't know who she is or where she's going in life.

I know there are lots of beautiful things to look forward to too. I hope she makes beautiful new friendships and her self-confidence grows. I hope she finds new hobbies and interests. I hope any hardships she faces make her a stronger person.