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
