Dear Sam…
You are the most curious kid I’ve ever met . You are not only curious, you are impatient to understand every aspect of the world around you. So many other grown-ups tell us stories about the interesting questions you ask them. Kids tell us about your kindness. Daddy and I say to each other, at least once a day, “I wish I understood the mind of Sam.”
First Grade is the perfect place for your incredible mind, Sam. In your class, there are chapter books to lose yourself in, friends to play Star Wars with at recess, science experiments to touch and feel, and so many good discussions about Jesus. By the end of the day, you are WORN OUT from tackling First Grade.
Sometimes this means you’ll get frustrated with what you don’t understand. Sometimes you get frustrated with Daddy and I because we can’t explain the world to you. Sometimes you’re let down the rest of the world doesn’t have as much gusto as you do.
Be patient with the world, Sam. Be patient with us. Be patient with yourself. I hate to see you dejected when someone doesn’t live up to your expectations. I hate to see you give up when you don’t understand something immediately.
First Grade has so much to offer you. Some of the answers might not come right away, but they will come. Even those things you don’t understand quickly are still worth investigating. And I know you will, because that’s who you are, Sam.
Keep questioning, buddy. You keep us on our toes.
And always remember how much I love you–and your gusto.
Mommy
Sam is the first Hergenrader kid I had the pleasure to get to know. Emily and Sam became quick friends in Kinder and I was always hearing how funny Sam H is. How fun he is to play with. And a lots of nonsense stories of their recess games filled with giggles of remembering something funny Sam did. I had to investigate for myself, so I began speaking to Sam in the mornings and was surprised to be met with very thought-filled answers to “How are ya this morning, Sam?” Once he warmed up to me I got lots of questions, lots of whys. I hope I did a good job answering his questions and will always try to be someone in his life that will truly take the time to take him seriously. He probably needs to know, though, his first question for me each morning needs to be, “have you had any coffee yet this morning?” If I have been fully caffeinated, hit me with your best shot buddy!