And so she walked, determined and confident. Her 3ft body knew the path, the way and her pink glitter shoes carried her. She wore a blue party dress, adorned with tulle, reaching her ankles. I watched her, she needed no help. Pink, butterfly back pack strapped on her back, her matching lunchbox, she held tightly to her chest. She held it with both arms. In she marched, into the classroom we had been peaking into all summer long, she knew the bathroom, the water fountain, the playground, the picnic table. Down went her back pack and lunch box into her cubby and she spun around offering her teacher a hug, "Hello Ms. Allen."
And me? Left only to watch and know how uttertly full of pride she was. I didn't cry, I felt only my own version of pride. I gave her a quick hug, and as I did so wondered for a moment what to say to her..."You're great, Tessa, you are great."
She has all she needs within her. I know this to be true, and have since she birthed. She is a harvester, a Tessa, a maker of what she needs, and on this day, she knew it.
Here's the journey in photos, beginning with breakfast at our "new home" at Doreen's.
