Next Beginning

On a personal front, this is a big week for my family, as our daughter Charley is graduating year 12.  It's such a big milestone, and one which always seems to stretch out far, far into the future... 

Until it is suddenly here!

Which got me thinking about beginnings and ends.

I remember vividly her first day at school.  So tiny and cute!  I remember having tears in my eyes as she calmly walked into the classroom without looking back. She was shy, but ready!

Now years later, she is graduating from 12 years of school, where she has - grown, changed, learnt, evolved and been challenged in an infinite number of ways. 

Throughout this time, she has discovered more about herself than any curriculum. Discerning what she loves.  Clarifying what she believes (for now!) Embracing the trials and triumphs which have shaped her into the special young adult she is today. 

I remember my mother saying to me "your children are not born to you, but through you". I can now deeply relate to this. 

She is her own person, and I couldn't be prouder of who she already is, and who she is becoming. Not because she always gets it right (no one does), or has the highest marks or the greatest number of xxx (choose your metric). But because she is wholehearted and kind: and brings curiousity, courage and grace to whatever she does and the people around her. 

This may be the end of school but watch out world - Charley is just getting started! This natural end, is the beautiful start of her next beginning.