Last Homecoming Dance

Tonight is the night of the NDHS homecoming dance. Emily went to her first homecoming game freshman year, but has not gone to the dances. She missed the game because of SAT testing this morning, but as I write is at the mall with her Dad picking out a "western" outfit for tonight's dance. I am happy she is going single, because I'm proud of her decision to put off "relationship drama" until after her freshman year of college.

And so the transition begins...a series of "lasts"... last locker day... last first day of school ... last dance... last musical ... last time to update the varsity jacket (I need to do that for last year still!). And a season of firsts. First deadline for college applications to the UC colleges this month! First college visit (except for Brown for the pre-college program). First goodbyes...

Emily is singing a song for the musical "Into the Woods" in which she is cast as Rapunzel. She tells me it is about a mother and daughter separating, and that she must hear it with me before the show or we both won't be able to stop crying.

At least she is sensitive to my feelings during this transition. It would be harder, I think, if she were unaware of my struggle. She tells me she struggles, too. She tells me she is afraid of going off on her own -- excited! But afraid.

I wonder if I can post a photo on this blog? If I can, I'll post a photo of her on the way to the dance.