[00:00.40]11.A Mother’s Letter to a Son Starting Kindergarten

[00:05.73]Dear George,

[00:07.48]When your big brother and your little dog and I walked you up to school today, you had no idea how I was feeling.

[00:15.86]You were so excited, you had packed and unpacked the washable markers and safety scissors in your backpack a dozen times.

[00:25.33]I am really going to miss those lazy mornings when we waved your brother and sister off to school.

[00:31.76]I’d settle in with my coffee and newspaper, handing you the comics to color while you watched Sesame Street.

[00:38.95]Because you are my youngest, I had learned a few things by the time you came along.

[00:44.50]I found out that the seemingly endless days of babyhood are gone like lightning.

[00:49.95]I blinked, and your older siblings were setting off for school as eagerly as you did this morning.

[00:56.37]You didn’t go to preschool and I’m not exactly Maria Montessori.

[01:01.05]I hope that doesn’t hold you back.

[01:03.34]You learned numbers by helping me count the soda cans we returned to the store.

[01:07.58]And you do a fine job of writing your name on the sidewalk in chalk, in capitals to make it look more important.

[01:14.23]Just the other day, you asked me why I always call you “Honey” when we’re reading stories and “Bud” when you’re helping with chores.

[01:22.61]My explanation of the difference between a cuddly mood and a matey one seemed to satisfy you.

[01:28.71]I have to admit that in my mind’s eye, an image of myself while you’re in school has developed.

[01:36.23]I see myself updating all the photo albums and starting the novel I always wanted to write.

[01:41.78]As the summer wound down and more frequent quarrels erupted between you and your siblings, I looked forward to today.

[01:48.53]And then this morning, I walked you to your classroom with a picture of the president on one wall and of Bambi on the opposite.

[01:56.92]You found the coat hook with your name above it right away, and you gave me one of your characteristically fierce, too-tight hugs.

[02:05.65]This time you were ready to let go before I was.

[02:09.04]Maybe someday you will deliver a kindergartner with your own wide-set eyes and sudden grin to the first day of school.

[02:16.70]When you turn at the door to wave good-bye, he or she will be too deep in conversation with a new friend to notice.

[02:23.91]And then, you’ll know.

[02:26.10]Love, Mom