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My Will

Friday, May 29, 2009

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

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Your teacher.

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


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43 comments:

  1. What a smart, handsome, and kind young man Will is! You are so blessed! Congrats to Will for graduating- keep up the good work!

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  2. Congrats Will! You look so grown up. I know that every kind thing your mother says about you is true. Love Nick's mom - Staci

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  3. What an awesome boy! This was a beautifully written letter!

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  4. congratulations. that was beautiful

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  5. I love this! Your kids are soooo sweet and dear!

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  6. Wow He's Cute!!! I know how proud you must be. He is blessed to have a mother with your heart!

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  7. CONGRATULATIONS WIll...
    What an amazing boy...
    Have a great weekend...

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  8. Reading this actually made me cry. It all goes so fast. I can see why you are so proud. What a wonderful son you have raised!

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  9. Congratulations Will! Oh the places you will go... Keep up the great work! It sounds like you are a model citizen, student and friend. Your mom and dad are blessed by you!

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  10. Your post brought tears to my eyes.

    Congratulations Will. Well done.
    Snick :)

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  11. Congrats Will...hey, he didn't become this young man by accident, good job Mom and Dad. Oh, and you give me hope for Coby..he is so wiggly and inquisitive : )

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  12. Kim,
    What a wonderful big boy/young man you are raising. Congratulations to Will and to you.

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  13. What a sweet wonderful letter to you son! He sounds wonderful and is such a treasure to your family and his friends!

    And you're right -- before you know it, he'll be graduating from high school and college! I know!

    Have a great weekend.

    Janet

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  14. What a handsome young man! And what a sweet letter!!

    Debbie

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  15. What a smart, kind, capable and handsome young man you're raising. And it must be extra special to hear these things from his teachers. I do hope you're taking some credit for this, you deserve it.

    Gin =)

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  16. What a great post - what a great family. Thanks for sharing - the best things in life are our love of family.

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  17. Congratulations Will....beautiful letter Mom.

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  18. Your post is one of the sweetest things I have read. You must be a very proud momma. You and Dave have instilled value into this young man and he is becoming what you have taught him and what you have demonstrated to him. Congratulations Will.

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  19. Congratulations to Will! His story is another reason parents with boys shouldn't worry if their early school years aren't easy. My son flunked every test administered at the end of kindergarten but went on to do well--National Merit Scholar, honors graduate of excellent university, and law student at present at top-tier law school. Boys--and some girls--just don't bloom right away.

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  20. What a dear boy! You have every right to be proud of him!

    I'm so glad his school year ended up being a positive one. I know how you wrestled with that situation this year.

    Love the pictures of Miss Kate's end-of-school party too. Wow, what a difference between now and September! She has really blossomed in her confidence.

    Your children are a wonderful testimony to your love and influence on them.

    Have a great weekend!

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  21. Kim, I have tears in my eyes...you wrote such a beautiful letter....

    Congratulations Will¡¡¡¡

    Lots of love from Spain,
    Belén

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  22. He LOOKS like a kind soul with a great heart.. Love the "product" in his hair, a stylin young lad!

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  23. Congratulations Will! He sounds like such a special guy :) In reading your words about how Will was a hyper child... it gave me hope for Mia :) I often wonder how she will sit still long enough in preschool and how active she is...ahhhh, you calmed my worries :)

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  24. You brought tears to my eyes...please print this letter out and give to him on another special occassion in the future. Thanks for sharing your special thoughts. Congrats, Will. Oh, the places you'll go!!

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  25. Congrats, Will! You and Dave must be soooo proud of him!

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  26. Congratualtions Will! This world needs more young men like you. How proud your Mom and Dad must be. Good luck with middle school.

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  27. Beautiful Kim.....simply beautiful! ;)

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  28. I have tears in MY eyes! Your boy is every parents dream, well done Mommy!

    Jill xx

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  29. That is so beautiful. Something to be cherished forever. And, quite honestly, another reminder to me as a teacher to always be mindful of how you (we) judge our students. Congrats Will!

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  30. Beautiful written and so well written. Will you are going places young man. Congratulations and may you have a WONDERFUL SUMMER!!!

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  31. too, too handsome for words!! I love that he spent his vacation day helping his teacher. He must be such a wonderful young man because he has such wonderful parents!! So congratulations to you both for raising such a fine young man.

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  32. OK - The Sweetest post ever!!!!! Will is so lucky to have you too my friend!!!

    Well Done!!!

    Love,
    Di

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  33. What a handsome young man he's turning into! Congrats :)

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  34. This letter made me cry....the pic of Kate made me laugh!! :)

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  35. That was PRECIOUS! It made my heart melt reading your amazing words; he is so lucky to have such a loving mother! And woo-weee, he is going to break a few girl's hearts. What a cutie!

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  36. Handsome boy of yours and just precious words as always from your heart! Wonderful Mom you are!

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  37. Good for Will and... he's got GREAT teeth...

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  38. You obviously raised him very well!! Congrats to him and you!Very sweet!

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  39. A beautiful tribute for a beautiful young man!! A special "Congratulations" to Will. I hope you enjoy your summer and time together. It really does go much to fast! My oldest leaves for college in 3 years. Meg will just be finishing kindergarten. It amazes me:)

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  40. That was BEAUTIFUL! Congrtas to your sweet Will. You are both so blessed :)

    Jen

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  41. What a beautiful post,and such a handsome young man! That Kate tickles me, just adorable!

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  42. Kim,
    Will is doll, in a totally guy way :)!

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Thank you for your kindness.