Dear Jack

Dear Jack,

Tomorrow you start kindergarten. As I type these words, my eyes fill with tears. I don’t wonder where the time has gone, b/c the last 5 years have certainly been full of adventure for our family. You are my first born and in your first year you taught me so much about life, sacrifice and what it means to love unconditionally. I couldn't imagine how each year could get even better. You were a light from the beginning. Even during the terrible twos you were a joy! As we added two little girls to our family, you loved them, tolerated them and became a great role model for them. 

No, I do not wonder where the time has gone but I do wonder how your life will change as you leave my side on a daily basis and enter “the world.” I will be honest in saying that the doors you will walk through tomorrow were not where I envisioned you starting kindergarten. We are new to the area and we don’t know any one going to kindergarten with you. I don’t get to stand with my mommy friends and watch you walk to your classroom. I will probably have to be dragged out by your dad while I am doing the ugly cry. But I need to remember this is not about me. This is ALL about you.

And you, Jack Councill, will be awesome! You were born with a light that never seems to dim. You have the best attitude about everything. Your joy is infectious and your enthusiasm is undaunted. I pray that this continues. I pray that you will never question your instincts. If it feels right, then it probably is and if it feels wrong, then you are right about that too. You are a leader. People naturally follow you. Not because you ask them to but because they want to be with you and be like you. Your dad and I do not take responsibility for this. You were born this way and it has been a blessing to watch you mature into the person you are.

We have family time every Monday night where we sit on the same blanket and we sing songs, have family prayer and Dad or I share something with you and your sisters. It may be a story from the scriptures or it may be a little lesson about life. Recently, the topic was sharing. Daddy asked you what you could share with others. You quickly responded, “I could share my legos and my transformers and my friendship and my encouragement.” We were speechless. Jack, you are so kind and have such a tender spirit. I pray that the “world” does not dim your sweet light and that you can continue to love others as you do.

I am so excited for you, Jack. I know tomorrow is just the beginning of a wonderful chapter. Oh I know there will be forms and homework and lost books and forgotten lunches. But I can’t wait to do book reports on dinosaurs and science projects on volcanoes and be a chaperone for your field trips. Your dad and I loved school and learning and we pray you will have that same enthusiasm for this new adventure.

Your teacher and friends are waiting to meet you Jack Councill! They are so lucky to have you in their class! And we are so blessed to have you in our family!

We love you!

Mom and Dad