Today is my youngest daughter’s last day in middle school. Hallelujah! I would have never dreamed that I would be so excited for her to leave that place, but my anticipation has been growing over the past few weeks. Not because I’m in a hurry for her to grow up. She is my baby girl, after all. My baby girl who used to tell me that she didn’t want to get big, she wanted to stay little forever. My baby girl who said that she would live next door to me when she was a “growed up.” So why am I relieved that today has arrived?
It is my opinion, based on my own experience as well as observation of others, that middle school/junior high is one of the most, if not the most, incredibly challenging times in development for any human being. While there are a variety of factors that play into this, I believe the entire thing can be summed up in one word- PUBERTY! So many changes in such a short amount of time. Accelerated physical growth, hormones, zits, hormones, rapid mood swings, hormones, friendship issues, hormones… did I mention hormones?!!!!!
“Who am I? Where do I fit in? Am I attractive? What can I do? Am I good enough? What is my purpose?” Mind, body, and spirit are all developing at a mind-boggling rate. Simply negotiating daily life is quite tenuous during this time.
In the process of metamorphosis, the emerging butterfly goes through a tremendous struggle to break out of the cocoon. While it is painful to watch and tempting to intervene, it is necessary for the butterfly to endure this process. The struggle is what strengthens the butterfly, increasing it’s chances for survival once it has fully transformed and come forth.
My beautiful butterfly has made it through these difficult first stages and is moving on to the next phase of development. As she begins to emerge from her cocoon, I am getting a glimpse of her vivid colors, graceful wings, and marvelous intelligence. With each passing day she is becoming more aware of her purpose. I know there will be more challenges ahead… perhaps the greatest and most bittersweet for me will be when she fully emerges and takes flight!