Jean Hopkins in 1990

My favorite dress wasn’t mine. It wasn’t even that pretty. In fact, it was a little gaudy.

Picture a bodice of electric lime green, dotted with big black stars, a full gored skirt of black with green trim, accessorized by green tights and a black vest. This dress represents independence, anticipation and the sheer joy of facing a new experience.

My four-year-old daughter Jean selected this dress for her first day of kindergarten. Nothing could persuade her to choose a tamer dress for her debut. What I remember most was the walk to school that first morning. She ran, jumped, skipped and twirled all the way. She was a blur of fluorescent lime green and black. The sun shone from under her feet as she flew to school, so ready to start something new.

I, however, had a lump in my throat as I watched my baby grow.

Gwen Hopkins, Toronto, Ont.