A Letter to My Son - On Starting Kindergarten

Dear D.,

You started your kindergarten orientation camp today.  These next two weeks of camp are supposed to prepare you for your first real year of school.  But you're already ready.  In fact, you're more than ready.  And I don't like it.  That's why Mommy cried today.

I am still in awe of how we got here already.  It feels like just yesterday your dad handed you to me for the first time and we locked eyes.  It was then that I knew we would be best friends for life.

I knew we would hit milestones with you -- your first smile, your first word, your first step -- but now that we've experienced so many of them, I'm finally understanding what people mean when they say that "it goes so fast."

Because it does.

There were so many times during your toddler years when the days felt SO long.  TOO long.  Never-ending.  You were non-stop, and still are.  You were never a napper, you've always been a slow eater, and you never stop talking.  Ev-er.  But you are better than the best kid we could have ever imagined.  You are more than we could have ever hoped for... truly.

But as long as some of those days felt, I have to say -- the years have flown by.  You are growing up to be such a little man, and there are so many days when it seems like you're 5 going on 15 instead of 6.  You have such a kind heart and are always worried about others' feelings.  You go out of your way to make people feel included and special.  You are the friendliest little guy and you love to meet new people.

Today, you walked into that elementary school with no fears whatsoever.  You were so excited to see your new (bigger!) school, new teachers, new friends...

When Daddy asked you if you wanted us to stay and wait with you until the teacher took your class back, you happily replied, "Do whatever you want to do.  I don't care either way!"  We just can't believe how confident and independent you have become already!  You introduced yourself to some of the kids who were nervous and crying.  You told them that it would all be okay and that you would be their friend.

Your Dad and I love that about you.

Watching you walk away with your camp teacher and new friends was bittersweet.  While we were so proud of you, our hearts hurt knowing that our time at home with you -- and your time at home with just us -- is over.  Your journey through school has begun.

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We love you so, so much.  More than you know.  And we are looking forward to celebrating more milestones with you... but let's not rush them, k?  You will always be our little boy, but can't you just stay little forever?

Love you to pieces, buddy.  And as we say every night before bed:  Love you. Mean it.

And I really do.  So, so much.