Dear Joshua,
I know “they” say I’m not supposed to shower you with praise and compliments or over inflate your ego lest you become one of the dreaded “entitled millennials” (or whatever generation you are), but I can’t really help it sometimes.
You’re going places. I know it.
I want you to know that I’m proud of you and all the ups and downs you’ve weathered so gracefully so far in your little life. Your resilience amazes and inspires me.
It also scares me a little too.
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What I want you to know this year is that it’s okay to have your feelings hurt. It’s okay to suffer disappointments and setbacks. The yucky stuff is all a part of life and I want yours to be full. Remember, good comes out of bad sometimes. (Inside Out taught us that, right?)
As life gets tougher and feelings and frustrations get bigger, I hope you always remember that I’m here. I love you no matter what. Nothing can or will ever change that.
Today you started first grade. You were so big and brave as you walked through the halls this morning, quietly repeating the directions we studied together last night.
Straight, right, left, right, and you’re there, in your new home away from home for the next 180 days. And this is it. You’re home. We’re home. Settle in. Unpack. Then stretch your wings. I’ll be busy putting down roots so you’ll always have a place to return when you need it.
I’ll be your Giving Tree. You’ll be my boy. Forever.
I hope he has a great year! The issue with praise and compliments is the emptyness of good jobs. Make it meaningful and compliment the shit outta them. 😉
He’s got a great influence guiding him, and he’s going to do wondrously.