Dear Nate…
You are so ready for Kindergarten.
You have heard the stories about how ridiculously fun Mrs. Miesner is. You have watched the Kindergarten classes as they played big-kid instruments at chapel. You have heard unbelievable tales of Kindergarteners reading whole books–on their own. You have listened wide-eyed to the incredible stories of a class with no naps, who has cooking lessons and computer time, and who eats in the big-kid cafeteria.
It’s all true. For a kid like you who loves to learn, who wants desperately to be big, Kindergarten is the Promised Land.
I cannot wait to watch you conquer the big-kid challenges of this year. Getting dropped off in the carpool line instead walking in with Mommy? No problem for you. Homework every night? You will love joining the family homework table. Sight-word flashcards? This will show your brothers and sisters how old you are.
And you are so old, Nate. You hold your own with the big kids, and we all forget you are only five. Especially you. So many times a day, I can see it on your face: why can’t I spell H-e-r-g-e-n-r-a-d-e-r like they can? How do they all know what 7+8 is? Why don’t they need training wheels on their bikes? Why is all this so much harder for me?
I wish I could tell you it’s not harder for you, Nate. All this is part of being the baby of a big family.
This year, it will feel so good to learn alongside other five-year-olds. Instead of trying to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you’ll laugh with your friends at Pete the Cat. Instead of trying to fight in your brother’s complicated Star Wars battles, you’ll play tag. This year you’ll start to understand you are growing up at exactly the perfect pace.
And realizing that will be your Kindergarten milk and honey.
I love you,
Mommy
P.S. I know you can handle walking into your class every day. But,man, I am really going to miss holding your hand down the hallway and seeing you tackle Kindergarten like a boss–like the most amazing five-year-old I know.
