Letter to my daughter

September comes, dyeing autumn with golden sunshine. The air is suddenly filled with the fragrant smell of new notebooks, new books, and new clothes. The school year is coming!

Since last night, Mom has been ironing the new uniform to prepare for your first day of school. When you tried on the new clothes, Mom was stunned and moved. Mom's heart was filled with so many emotions, a little bit of worry mixed with joy, a little bit of pride mixed with excitement. Tomorrow you officially enter first grade.

I remember the days when I held you in my arms, so tiny, with a pretty face as carefree as an angel. But now you are as tall as my chest, about to become a primary school student. I am proud because my daughter is becoming more self-aware every day, knows how to take care of herself and also knows how to care and ask about her parents. Every time I see my parents come home from work, I run out to greet them, hug their legs and chatter about everything, then quickly go pour them some water to help them feel less tired. Just seeing your happy face, holding the glass of water I offer, all the tiredness of the day disappears. You hug the new uniform to your chest, inhale the smell of new fabric, your face beaming with joy, chattering and asking about the new school, like a little sparrow eagerly waiting for the first day of learning to fly. Out there is the vast sky. Out there are so many interesting things waiting for you. Fly away, little sparrow. Fly away to conquer the field of knowledge. Fly away, make new friends, discover the interesting things in life. Mom will let go of her hand to let her little sparrow fly away. Mom will hide her worries deep in her heart and put her trust in your little feet. Mom believes that with those feet, you will firmly take your first steps without needing mom's guiding hand anymore.

The first day of school has come. I woke up really early. Mom urged, “Mom, my baby, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, and get dressed for school.” I shook my head, “I’m not a baby, Mom, I’m in first grade.” “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m an adult now, so from now on, Mom, I’ll call you big sister.” I smiled brightly and nodded in agreement. Mom suddenly felt absent-minded, had I really grown up? Soon I would be in middle school, then high school, and my legs would go even further, to university. The small house would only have the two of us, the old couple, coming and going. There would be no more of my chirping stories. There would be no more of anyone massaging Mom’s shoulders when she complained of being tired. There would be no more of anyone whining and asking Mom to cook this or that for me to eat…

Suddenly, a selfish thought arose in my heart that I wished you would stay small forever so that I could hold you every day. But then I quickly dismissed it from my mind. I cannot selfishly keep you by my side forever, you have to grow up, have your own life, do what you want. Your life is yours to decide, whether you like it or not, I have to respect it. So I let go, so I quickly turned my back when taking you to the homeroom teacher. I turned my back so I wouldn't have to see your worried eyes. I also turned my back so I wouldn't shed tears because I loved my little daughter so much, lost in a strange environment. I turned my back so quickly not to abandon you but to give you the chance to grow up, to leave my protective arms.

Life is a series of experiences. I will stop worrying. I will let you walk on your own two feet, even though I know that you will stumble many times. Stand up, be strong and resilient, do what you want no matter how many difficulties you face. And always smile, because your smile is the greatest happiness in my life.

Mom sneaked a look back at me when I reached the school gate. I stood there next to many friends. I didn't cry out to mom like the first time I went to kindergarten. Around mom, many parents were worried, trying to look through the gaps in the fence to follow the footsteps of first graders like me. Mom drove her motorbike to work, mom knew her daughter had really grown up. The first morning of autumn, the sky was clear, the wind was a bit chilly. All over the streets, there was a green and white color. All parents hurried to take their children to attend the opening ceremony of the new school year, and in the eyes of all the children was filled with excitement to see friends and teachers again after a summer apart.

I hear the sound of the school drum in the wind. I see your smiling face in the blue sky. I feel my heart filled with joy like the old days of school opening. I know that this morning will forever be in your memory, becoming a beautiful memory that will never be forgotten, my daughter.

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