Dear Son,

Tomorrow you start kindergarten.  How did you grow up so fast?  Have I taught you everything you need to learn?  Will you feel happy there?  Will you be scared?  Will you miss me?  How will you make it through the whole day without a nap?  You've never been apart from me like this!  8 hours- what will I do without you?  Who will help me entertain your baby sister?  Will you fight with the other kids like you fight with your brother?  Will you love the other kids like you love your brother?  Will you mind the teacher and listen to her?  Will you eat your lunch all gone?  What will you do at recess, who will you play with?  Oh my mind is racing with curiosity.

Starting kindergarten.  Earlier this week you were very nervous about the occasion.  We went to "meet the teacher" on Tuesday night and you met sweet Mrs. Cox in her red white & blue room bountifully adorned with bears and stars.  You were very shy and would barely lift your eyes from the floor as we walked into your classroom.  I could tell you were scared.

As I filled out forms, you glanced around at the other kids and parents in the room.  We sat at your assigned seat for a bit and talked about what sort of activities it looked like you'd be engaging in during the long day.  Your little brother boldly marched around the room, getting into the school supplies, trying to write on the chalkboard, and asking "where's my desk?".  Alice was shifting in her stroller and getting lots of attention from Mrs. Cox who said "Ooooh, I love babies like this" in her sweet southern accent.


Then another shy little boy entered the room.  You heard Mrs. Cox ask him what his name was and he, like you, was too scared to answer.  His mother said "Zach".  I looked at the name placard on the other side of your little blue table and it read "Zachary".  I whispered in your little ears that this little boy would be sitting at your table, and perhaps you two would become great friends.  As he sat down, you sent him a little smile and you both began to feel a bit more comfortable.  Your mommies chatted a bit, and you warmed up.  You began to speak more loudly, and act more jovial.

We looked around the rest of the school.  You and your little brother began to run around the halls, and I had to yell "stop running!  I don't think you can do that here!"  Later we went out to the playground and you guys practiced what "recess" would feel like.  Zachary and his mom came out to the playground and you were excited to see your new friend again.   I asked you to go ask Zachary if he'd like to come to our house to play sometime, and you bravely went over and asked him.  He seemed happy regarding the invitation and your mommies scheduled a play date.

When I asked you on the way home, "Jimmy are you nervous about school?", you replied "I'm just embarrassed (pause) just kidding!  Actually I'm excited".  I was so happy to see your countenance change and your confidence bolster as you met a new friend.  Jimmy, you have a gift for being kind to others.  You are a good boy.  You are respectful, and have such a huge heart.  And others will appreciate that in you Jimmy.  You will be a good friend to others. 

This is such a bittersweet time for your momma.  For one, I am happy you are having this opportunity to go and grow, to not be so "bored" at home, and meet new friends and learn new things.  However, I am also so sad to see you begin this journey all on your own.  I will miss you lots.  You've become my little helper during the day- helping put Alice's "plug" back in, cleaning up your messes, helping me make lunch and snacks, helping me fold laundry, babysitting Alice while I mow the lawn or shower, helping Johnny get cereal in the morning, making Alice smile whenever you're in the room.

Daddy gave you a priesthood blessing tonight.  A.k.a a "back to school Father's blessing".  I used to get those from my daddy when I was a little girl.  It seemed to comfort my busy, nervous heart the night before each school year.  And I really think those prayers uttered by my Dad gave me strength and protection.  I know your blessing from your Dad tonight came from your Heavenly Father who loves you so much.

Always know you are loved.  Don't ever forget that.  And don't ever forget you have a best friend waiting for you at home each afternoon who will be dying to play with you again.  And your Mommy and Daddy will be so eager to hear about your day.  About your new friends.  About all that you've learned. 

I love you honey bun.  Good luck tomorrow.           ~Mom

All photos courtesy of:
Heather, Jade, and Mary
Our wonderful friends with wonderful skills with cameras  :)