Dear Catie…
Happy First Day of Third Grade! You marched right into your classroom and found your desk; you are so ready to start school! You have friends in your class, your teacher seems nice, and you’re one of the big kids in the school. It’s going to be a fantastic year.
Love Bug, I know that you’re a little worried about the things that you don’t know, things that you think you should. Like what 8+7 is (without looking at your fingers)…or 8+8 or 8+9. Or what kind of books you should like to read. Or if your spelling is right. Or how you’ll do in third grade.
Sure, there are some things that you don’t know…but there are SO MANY things that you do know. Most third graders don’t know how to pick a toddler out of his crib, change his poopy diaper, get him dressed for the day, play a game with him to get him down the steps, and make him breakfast. Most third graders don’t know how to carry on an hour-long conversation with a five-year-old or a two-year-old or an adult. Most third graders don’t know how important it is to be nice. And to give hugs. And to think about others more than themselves.
Besides knowing how to bait a hook and drive a golf cart and ice skate and braid your sister’s hair, you also intuitively know the most important things in life. You know how much your family loves you. You know how much Jesus loves you. You know it’s not fair to take advantage of other people. You know that there are so many things that are more important than winning.
You are a wise kid, Catie. I truly enjoyed every minute with you this summer. Because more than anything else, you really know how to have fun.
But, boy, do I know how much I miss you right now.
And how much I love you.
Mommy
