Shout out to all the moms of seniors right now. Seniors in high school or seniors in college. Either way, it’s the end of an era.

As a momma, you have guided, nurtured, supported, sacrificed, and prayed for your child over and over. You have watched them soar and watched them hurt. You embraced their wins and watched them stumble, hoping with all your might that they stood back up even stronger. You offered advice and whether they took it or not (shout out to those of us with strong willed kids!), you worried about them and any hard decisions they faced. You annoyed, upset, and nagged them, but you also sat on cold bleachers for them, drove them countless miles, cheered loudly through games, concerts, or plays and made sure the fridge was stocked for them and their friends. You opened your home and your heart to whoever and whatever mattered most to them.

As the world celebrates your amazing child, your fellow moms celebrate you.

Yes, you!!

We know what it took to get your kid to where they are and how much love and patience you invested to get here. Even though it was their journey, no one walked closer on the path than you. What you did is a big deal and we honor you just as much as we honor your incredible kid.

So, let your heart feel whatever it needs in the days to come. Take as many pictures as you want, even if it comes with an eye roll. Have pride in your voice, regardless of what your graduate is doing next. Support them in everything they do, and love them hard while they’re still in front of you.

Know that graduation is a bittersweet experience- full of joy and gratitude but also sadness. It is both the beginning and the end. There’s anxious angst and there’s anticipation, and somewhere in the middle is the fun. Lean in and enjoy the ride because you deserve all the pomp and circumstance as well. You did it too!

One last bit of advice… embrace the time together, even if they’re so busy that the time together feels limited. Rest assured, it’s part of the process so don’t take it personally. This is one of those sweet spots in life so try to fill it with assurance, confidence, warmth and unconditional love. If your heart hurts, it’s just expanding and growing to help them embrace whatever exciting chapter is next.

Senior moms, we see you, we honor you and we support you through this. Take a deep breath, slow down and hug your senior. Know that when we are cheering for them, we are secretly cheering for you as well.

You did good momma… now it’s time to celebrate and let them fly.