Letter to my daughter

September arrives, painting the air with the golden hues of autumn sunshine. The atmosphere is suddenly filled with the fragrant scent of new notebooks, new books, and new clothes. The back-to-school season is fast approaching!

Last night, Mom ironed my new uniform in preparation for my first day of school. When I tried it on, Mom gazed at me, overcome with emotion. A whirlwind of feelings welled up inside her: a mix of worry and joy, pride and nervousness. Tomorrow I'll officially be starting first grade.

I remember the days when I held you in my arms, so tiny, with a beautiful, carefree face like an angel. And now you're as tall as my chest, about to become a primary school student. I'm so proud of you, my daughter, for becoming more independent each day, for taking care of yourself and for showing concern for your parents. Every time you see us coming home from work, you run out to greet us, hugging our legs and chattering away, then quickly pouring us water to help us feel less tired. Just seeing your happy face and holding the glass of water you offer makes all the fatigue of the day disappear. You hug your new uniform, inhaling the scent of the new fabric, your face beaming with joy, chattering about your new school, like a little sparrow excitedly waiting for its first day of flight. Out there is a vast sky. Out there are so many exciting things waiting for you. Fly, little sparrow! Fly and conquer the fields of knowledge! Fly away, make new friends, discover the wonders of life. Mom will let go of your hand, letting my little sparrow fly away. Mom will hide her worries deep within her heart and place her trust in your little feet. Mom believes that with those feet, you will take your first steady steps without needing Mom's guiding hand anymore.

The first day of school arrived. My child woke up very early. Mom urged, "My little one, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, get dressed, and go to school!" My child shook their head vigorously, "I'm not a little one, Mom, I'm in first grade!" "Oh, I'm sorry. You're all grown up now, so from now on, I'll call you 'big sister'." My child smiled brightly and nodded in agreement. Mom suddenly felt a pang of sadness; my child had really grown up. Soon, my child would be in middle school, then high school, and their feet would carry them further, to university. The small house would be left with only the two of us old folks coming and going. There would be no more my child's cheerful chatter. There would be no one to massage Mom's shoulders when she complained of fatigue. There would be no one to whine and ask Mom to cook this or that for them…

Suddenly, a selfish thought arose in my heart: I wish my child could stay small forever so I could hug and cuddle her every day. But then I quickly dismissed it. I couldn't be selfish and keep her by my side forever; she had to grow up, have her own life, and do what she wanted. Her life was hers to decide, and whether I wanted to or not, I had to respect that. So I let go, so I quickly turned my back as I took her to her homeroom teacher. I turned away so I wouldn't have to see her worried eyes. I turned away so I wouldn't shed tears of pity for my little girl, alone in a strange environment. I turned away quickly not to abandon her, but to give her the chance to grow up, to leave my protective embrace.

Life is a series of experiences. I will stop worrying. I will let you walk on your own two feet, even knowing that you will stumble many times. Stand up, my child, 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.

My mother secretly glanced back at me as I reached the school gate. I stood there beside my friends. I didn't cry or scream like I did the first time I went to kindergarten. Around her, anxious parents peered through the gaps in the fence to watch the footsteps of the little first-grade boys and girls like me. My mother revved her engine and sped off to work, knowing her daughter had truly grown up. It was a clear early autumn morning, with a gentle, cool breeze. Every road was covered in shades of green and white. Parents hurried to take their children to the opening ceremony of the new school year, and in the eyes of every child, there was a glimmer of excitement at seeing their friends and teachers again after the summer break.

Mother hears the joyful sound of the school opening drums in the wind. She sees her daughter's smiling face in the high blue sky. Her heart swells with the same joyful feeling as on those old first days of school. Mother knows that this morning will forever remain in her daughter's memory, a beautiful, unforgettable moment for a lifetime.

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