Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Unexpected

Dear Buddy,

It's been quite an incredible few days!

When we woke up Monday morning and reminded you it was the first day of school, I expected you to freak out. Instead, you helped me pack your lunch.

When we dropped Buster at Aunt S's house to play while I drove you to school, I expected you to demand to play too. Instead, you cheerily told Buster to have a great day.

When we arrived at school and found out they had switched your teacher at the last minute, I expected you to burst into tears. Instead, you shyly said hi to the new one.

When the teacher invited you to say good-bye and start your day, I expected you to cling to me and beg me to stay. Instead, you whispered good-bye and slipped away.

When I picked you up at the end of the day, I expected you to be angry and scared. Instead, you greeted me with a smile and told me how much fun you had.

When we went back today and you realized this place was permanent, I expected the long-awaited tears to finally come. Instead, you reminded me where to put your lunch bag.

When the teacher pulled me aside to talk, I expected her to report you were withdrawn and overwhelmed. Instead, she told me that although you had been very quiet, you'd used your words for the important stuff...she wanted to be sure to let me know the one and only time she heard you talk to another student, it was to walk over to a boy crying in the corner and tell him "Are you sad? Don't worry, its okay to miss your mama, but she'll always come back".

Your dad and I couldn't care less if you ever win a spelling bee. Or make the winning basket. Or take advanced math. Or become student body president. What we want is for you to be kind. And brave. And compassionate. The last few days, just 6 weeks shy of your 4th birthday, you've proven you're already all of those things.

I knew being your mom would mean teaching you thousands of things. I never anticipated how much you'd also be teaching me.

12 comments:

  1. Oh. My. Goodness. How wonderfully sweet is your boy? I'm in love with what he said to that little boy! You done good, mama. REAL good. :)

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  2. Oh Kristen. This made me cry. I'm so very happy for the wonderful transition Buddy is experiencing.

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  3. I know these are no small feats. I'm so happy for you and mostly Buddy for conquering this big hill in a valiant way.

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  4. Crying over here. So glad he is doing so well at school. And what a kind child you are raising!

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  5. I've joined the others with tears from reading this. Your son has a beautiful soul and he is amazing. I'm so glad that your transition to preschool is going so well for both of you!!!

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  6. Crying as usual...I literally burst into tears when I read what Andy did to help the other child...it's the nicest thing I've heard in a long time. I am so happy he is adjusting to school. xoxo

    leslie

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  7. How wonderful for him!! And for you!!

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  8. Buddy, you sure did make your mama proud this week. :)

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  9. Kristen, I have tears in my eyes. I'm so glad that Buddy is transitioning so well, and it sounds like he has teachers that are looking out for him. You did a great job finding him an amazing school. I'm so happy for you both!

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  10. OK. You got me crying too! It's so wonderful that your little guy stepped outside of his comfort zone to help out his new friend. It says so much about what a wonderful and sensitive boy he is, and also a testament to what a great job his parents are doing. Way to go!

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  11. Wow - crying hard on this one. Beautifully written!

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  12. The description of the whispered good bye started my tears flowing, and they still haven't stopped. What a sweet, brave boy.

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