dear dean

Dear Dean,

It is the eve of your first day of kindergarten.  Tomorrow you will be entering a fabulous school where you will spend lots of time outside playing, where you can explore, learn, grow, create, and also be allowed two 20 minute periods of rest each day.  Ahhh...balance.  It is a small school, with 18 students in each class, and you will soon know all of the faces that pass you by...and you will discover a strong community.  You can stay in this unique school through 8th grade; I think you'll appreciate that.  I feel confident that this is a good place for you and hopeful that you will love it.  You are a gentle soul, a loyal companion, and a quiet boy.  You are so bright.  You are an observer who learns by watching; you are a great listener.  You are sensitive, kind, and thoughtful.  Yes, you can also be impatient, tired, and frustrated; but would we not say the same of nearly everyone?  You are a delight.  Your teachers and classmates are lucky to be receiving you.

I asked you what you are most excited for tomorrow, and you replied, "Playing on the playground with Drew!"  You also talked of coloring in the classroom.  I am happy when I picture these scenes: you finding Drew during morning recess and glowing with delight.  And you quietly working in your class ~ building, drawing, creating.  

I am nervous that you'll feel nervous - or scared, or sad, or alone.  I want you to feel safe and loved.  But I trust that in time, you will find those things within this community.  I can not keep you home with me forever...nor would you want that.  It's just that at the age of five, you seem so young and naive.  Will the world be gentle with your young heart?  I want you to know that I will do whatever I can to make this transition smoother for you.  I will make special lunches that you enjoy; I will keep our mornings calm so you are not rushed.  I will pick you up after 3pm each day with a little treat ~ wearing a big smile, arms open wide.  I will lay with you, as I did tonight, when you need to feel safe and connected.  I will listen as you share stories from your day...and tell me what you need.

I'm sad to see you go.  Melia and I enjoyed last year so much...you two played so well together.  You both gave each other space to be creative, to laugh, to have fun.  It was so noncompetitive and so playful.  I'll miss those days.  But, you all must grow, and I must let you go.  Tomorrow I will watch you on the playground, as I did tonight, tears in my eyes as I say "goodbye!"  I hope you have a wonderful, happy day...and that everyone at school can see the loving little person behind the quiet.

I love you,
Mommy

Farewell Second Tooth!

Your second tooth

Has bid farewell

Another tooth grows there

As well

Your mouth is changing

As you grow

Teeth rearranging

New smile to show

Wiggly teeth

Are so much fun

Don’t you love

Showing every one?

Share your smile

Show off those spaces

Watch the excitement

In others’ faces

Change is fun

Growing up is cool

You have a new look

For your new school

A big boy now

Ready for 2^nd grade

Remember to brush well

And floss every day!

Farewell first tooth

Nine days shy

Of your birth-day

You lost your first tooth

Like a castaway

Fallen out at camp

While taking a bite

Then suddenly gone

Vanished from site

Almost seven years

That you had that tooth

It sprouted up at 9 months

Represented your youth

Now years gone by

You’re bigger too

And underneath

A new tooth awaits you!

Shiny and white

Please take good care

Brush twice a day

And a smile you shall wear

A smile shining bright

A smile from a boy

Who brings those around him

So much joy