It’s Friday, and that means it’s the end of your first week back to school. And this year is a big one, particularly for Holden and Mercedes. Sorry Lexi in the Middle – you’re always important too of course, but this year marks both Holden’s FIRST year of high school and Mercedes’ LAST year of high school – huge transitional moments for both of you.
Holden – We’re so proud of the young man you’re turning into, although you definitely don’t share as much with us as you used to when you were younger. (I do miss the days when all of you fought to tell us every detail of your days and you were the class clown, always with a joke or a funny comment, especially at the dinner table, to get a rise out of your sisters.) You are adjusting to the new routine – earlier mornings (a bit difficult for someone who missed the morning basically all summer!), new teachers, longer classes, changing rooms, etc. So far so good! You might have been a little bit nervous about this new phase, but you took it all in stride, even in a couple of classes where you didn’t have any of your main crew with you. I can’t wait to see what this year holds for you.
Lexi – Despite it not being a milestone year for you, I’m still always so proud of you. I know you can get anxious in new situations, and going back to school after a summer of freedom is a big transition of its own. But you have friends in your classes, your teachers seem decent, your class schedule is good, and you even seem a little bit excited about some of the work you’ll get to do (especially in Science and History). I know you’re incredibly academically motivated, which I love, and I have zero worries about your grades – so my only wish for you this year is that you continue to explore the more social side of high school and your teenage years with the awesome friend group you have.
Mercedes – Although you’re hardly AT school (only one class in-person this semester and two next semester), that doesn’t change what a pivotal time this year is for you. We’ve done one university tour already (Brock) and tomorrow we’re going to tour Trent. And in a couple of weeks you’ll be off to Ottawa for the weekend with Ava to tour uOttawa and Carleton, which is super exciting and also super scary to think of you five whole hours away! You all did Senior Sunrise yesterday and you’re already talking about the Prom after-party… what a fun time this year will be. But let’s not lose sight of the ‘lock-in’ you promised to ensure the best grades possible (while still having the time of your life!) so you have your choice of the kind of future you want next year. No matter what, I know this year will be great – you may not realize it now, but you are living the quintessential teenage life (actually you remind me a lot of me at your age) – driving around with your friends, boys, parties, ENDLESS sleepovers, chatting on the phone at all hours… I couldn’t be happier that you are thriving. And you even got a new job this week! While you may not be sad to say goodbye to McDonald’s, I know it was a great first employment experience. Onward and upward!
All in all, while we’re so stunned by how quickly time is passing, we’re also so proud of the young adults you all are. Funny, kind, hard-working, and beautiful inside and out. What more could we ask for? Here’s to a great school year! We can’t wait to see what happens.
Love,
Mama
