This is an emotional journey. One filled with chapters that began long before the first day of school. Our path started in the most unbelievable way. From the tough, fighting days during pregnancy to time spent in the NICU and everything that followed… and look at us now.

You’ve grown into such beautiful individuals, each with your own strengths, quirks, and personalities that shine so brightly. I remember it like it was yesterday, preparing you for preschool. You walked in without hesitation, without needing an ease-in period. Just a hug, a kiss, and a smile and you were off. Excited for the day, for your teachers, for your new friends. The very next morning, you were ready to do it all again.

I have so many pictures to remember those moments to freeze time, if only for a second.

And now, here we are. Two high school students. I’m still in shock that we’ve arrived at this chapter. This time, no pictures you shy away from the camera as you step through those doors. A quiet confidence. A new kind of independence.

A new chapter begins as another quietly closes. But not completely, the friendships, the memories, the lessons, they’ll always be with you. Just like the best books, you can reread those pages anytime for comfort or reflection, but the story keeps moving forward.

And you’ve got this.

I am so deeply humbled, grateful, and proud to be your mother.

**To the many parents, caregivers, and families,

Good luck with the new school year! May it bring fresh beginnings, exciting moments, growth, confidence, and above all, safety. We’ve made it this far, and we’ll keep moving forward together.

~’cesca