To my son on his first day of Kindergarten

Dear Ben,

Life is a series of letting-go moments.

This may be the first, but it certainly won't be the last.

Today is bittersweet for me. I love watching your face light up when you talk about school. I smile as you share the silly jokes you heard from a friend.

But if I'm honest, today is a little bit hard for me. It's a big milestone - your first tentative steps outside of my nest.

Last night, I rocked your baby brother to sleep. I could have sworn it was just yesterday that you were that little. My how you've grown, and I'm so very proud of you.

And so, on your first day of Kindergarten, I put on a brave face. I really am so excited for you, but just underneath the surface there are so many worries and fears.

Will you be scared?
What if someone is mean to you?
Will you be OK?

I know from this point on, my influence will begin to shift. Eventually you'll look to your friends for advice, and you'll look to them for approval. Will you pick good people to hang around with? Will you remember what we've taught you? Will you recognize that your worth and value isn't based on the opinion of peers and strangers, that you have value and worth simply because you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God?

Letting you go is an exercise of faith for me. It means that each day I have to trust God to guide your path and guard your heart. It means I have to trust that what we've poured into your heart and life has made an impact.

I know that you will thrive and grow. I know that you will be just fine. So, with a prayer and a kiss, I will send you on your way.

And so, little bird, enjoy your first day of kindergarten, and know that if mommy cries, it's not because she's sad. Sometimes, her heart just overflows a little.

I love you,
Mom