Today I saw you off to your first day of Kindergarten. Just two years ago we brought you to preschool, speaking and understanding limited English and not yet fully attached to Dad and I. We were all uncertain, not quite ready.
Then today...you were excited and confident as you climbed onto the bus. We've been getting ready for this day for nearly a week -- making sure you knew how to buy your milk, ask for help and introduce yourself to your new friends. We picked out your first day outfit together (a rarity, since you usually say it's my choice). We went through your backpack and lunch box to make sure you knew what you were bringing with you.
You went off and did a terrific job!
I, on the other hand, held back tears on the drive over to Oma's. Held back tears (ok...a few escaped) after we waved good-bye. Worried about how you were doing when school started, how lunch went and if you ate okay. Whether you behaved during the long day. Hoping you made it to the bathroom on time, washed your hands, treated your teacher and classmates with respect.
Yet when I saw you tonight at your Taekwondo class you were focused. Well behaved. You flashed me a big smile then went right back to work. You even earned another stripe on your way to your yellow belt.
You amaze me.
Clearly I should have trusted that you could handle this big day. God is in charge after all.
Dad and I have big dreams for you, our young kindergartner. We pray you will enjoy school, love learning and trying new things. We hope that you find good friends who will help you be the best person you can be. We are excited to find you reading a book to yourself, researching a topic just because you're interested, and taking part in something bigger than yourself because you have a passion for it. I'm glad to be on this journey with you.
Thank you for being a wonderful son.
Love,
Mom
P.S. How can a school offer chocolate milk and think that any kid is going to chose the healthier white milk? Let's add that to the "working on it" list...
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| Proud to be in kindergarten! |
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| Oliver insisted on a photo op with Otter. |
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| Waiting with Oma to head to the bus stop. |
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| A rainy first day. |
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| Oliver earning his second stripe -- one more and he can test for his yellow belt. What a big day! |