I remember what it was like for me. Is my outfit ok? Is my hair the right style? Is every other girl going to be wearing makeup or nail polish? That first day of school is all jitters, new shoes, and wondering what the boys were thinking. My daughters, I hope you’re too young for all of this, but I’m afraid you’re not. You started school this week, and there’s a good chance it’s going to teach you some lessons about true beauty.
I hope the more you’re around other kids, the more you will see their value, their spirits. I hope you notice, Cora, that the little girl in the glasses is special, not weird. Issa, I hope you see the little girl crying and wonder if you can comfort her like you do your baby dolls. I hope others will do the same for you. Insecurity can strike often and early for young girls, but I pray you’re surrounded by friends, teachers, and school staff who will lift you up and teach you to do just that for others.
The scariest part of back to school for me is that I won’t be able to be by your side at all hours of the day. I can peek through the two-way glass after I walk out the door, but I won’t be there if someone calls you a name or tells you a feature of yours isn’t to their liking. It happened to me in school halls, and my mom wasn’t there. But she listened to me cry and she told me things would get better. And they did. So that’s what I want you to know most of all. I’ll be here when someone doubts your true beauty, and I’ll reassure you that they, in fact, are in the wrong.
You are beautiful, you are kind, you are strong. Never, ever forget that. No matter how many first days of school go by, no matter how many times you doubt it. I’ll always teach you the greatest lesson of all: your true beauty comes from within, and from a source that cannot be tainted by small minds. The school years will fly by and you’ll be off to a great big world that will, once again, challenge you. But I hope these formative times will build your foundation to the point where you will not be shaken by the occasional naysayer. Because you were made for greatness, and I love you.
XO,
Mama
