First Step Towards Independence

I've got two daughters. Pristine is ten while Julianna is five. Since my youngest was born five years later. Pristine got my sole attention for quite a period of time. The happiness I felt being a first-time mom was overwhelming. I've had my share of meltdowns, but it didn't really last long.
Even though Pristine was more than ready to be a big sister to Julianna. Still it wasn't that easy when the latter came. I was happy of course. But I won't lie, there were tears shed for Pristine. I couldn't forget the day she first visited me at the hospital after delivery. Endless questions were asked like: What have you eaten today? Were you able to go to school? And so on....I was really anxious if she's well taken care of since my husband had to go to work every day. It was one of those times that I wished a mother could be in two places at the same time. I must admit that's one of my fears when we decided to have a second child. Fear that I might neglect some of her needs since I have to spend most of my time with her baby sister. The feeling lasted for weeks. Everything runs pretty smooth after that, like Julianna had been there all our lives. Late last year, Pristine almost missed their school field trip because I didn't allow her to go without me. There was an important matter that I couldn't afford to miss. I thought everything was fine because we've come up with an agreement that we'll just go on a family day-out on the next weekend. Little did I know that the day before the trip, she spoke to the principal and her teacher to call me and ask permission if she could go even without a chaperone. Her teacher assured me that she'll be the one to look after her. Pristine even told me "I am now on the 4th grade." Until when do you plan to go out with me on school trips?" I answered "probably, until your 6th" then I laughed. I convinced myself, maybe it's really time. It wasn't easy for me since I hardly remember a day my daughters have spent away from me except during school hours and occasional sleepovers with a close relative. Separation anxiety not on her part, but mine. In other words, hub and I permitted her to go. I seriously talked to her the night before the trip. Telling her to do this and that. I told her when she said 'she's all grown up' I believed and I am expecting a more responsible 'her'. Meaning she shouldn't act differently just because she's out of my sight. I was afraid because I have googled that the place they're about to visit has swimming pool. Have I mentioned, she's my little swimmer and loves doing stunts. She promised though that she would just swim normally and would take care of her stuff that includes folding her clothes neatly. I offered her to bring my camera. There should be good pictures, after all it's her Independence Day. Guess, I didn't miss to say: "just don't drop it". We made a pact that if she does everything I reminded her, then she will be allowed on future trips alone. Paradise Adventure Camp in Bulacan. There are various activities in the area like rappelling, wall climbing, etc. She really enjoyed most of it. She did regret though that she wasn't able to try the zipline because there was no one to ride with. Pristine on the right with classmate and teachers. She said she didn't enjoy the pool at all. It was crowded and has no slides. Thank heavens. I was surprise when she came home. All her stuff were pretty organized. A month later she went overnight camping at school. Just looking at the photos she took made me weep silent tears. How time flies. It seems like yesterday when she's learning to walk and speak her first word. Now, she took another 'first step' on her own. This time, towards life. I'd love to watch you every time, but please don't grow up too fast.