My Will

Dear Will,

It seems like only yesterday I was in a conference with your pre-school teacher (you were 2). She was telling me how you could not sit still during circle time and how you did not do what all the other kids did during "creative movement."  I simply pointed out that it was called creative movement wasn't it? Maybe YOU were being creative! Boy, how times have changed.

This week I watched you walk across a stage and accept a diploma at your elementary school graduation ceremony.  I listened as your teacher described you as an excellent communicator and a natural leader.  I beamed with pride as you were awarded the citizenship award and I saw your straight A's.  I watched as you were surrounded by friends engaging one another in pre-teen banter. I listened as your teacher told me that you have been one of her favorite students of all time (even though she only had you half the year!)   She told me that you will do great things...although I have always known that. I simply cannot believe how you have grown.

You have surprised me and Dad.  You were such a hyper toddler.  Teachers told us you might have ADD.  You were just smart.  You were just busy and inquisitive.  You have grown into the most compassionate and empathic young man I have ever known.  Today was your first day of summer vacation and you rode your bike up to school to help your teacher clean out the classroom. You had a bouquet of flowers for her in your backpack. You told me that you miss her already.

This Spring as we visited a few middle schools, I was ready to make a decision but you cautioned me to wait.  You wanted to see what one more school had to offer you.  You showed more maturity than me in that situation.  You have such poise and maturity for your age. It astounds me. That hyper little toddler has morphed into a calm and sophisticated pre-teen.

I know it will be just the blink of an eye before you are marching across the stage for high school and then college graduation too.  Know that I am so proud of you.  I am proud of not only of the excellent thinker and student you have become but also of the kind and generous person you have become.  Every parent should be as lucky as us.

One more thing... I had tears in my eyes as I realized that this is the last time you and your brother will ever be at the same school.  You have always been the very best of friends. I remember how the teachers used to tell me that you two would look for each other first at recess to play with one another.  You are entering different phases of life now but please don't forget about him.  He looks up to you. I hope you will always be the closest of friends.

Will, I love you so much.  I love the relationship we have and I am proud of the young man you have become.  Happy Graduation!!!

Love,

Mom

Your teacher.

Kate throwing a fit because I was not taking her picture:)

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