Letter to my son
Dear Son,
5th grade! What? Wait! When did this happen? Yesterday you were starting your first year as a Kindergarten student. *sigh* I remember walking with you to a school function when you were in Kindergarten and seeing a couple of boys and I thought, “Those are students? Oh my goodness, they are so tall! Are they supposed to be that tall in elementary school?” And here you are.... 10 years old and just a sliver of an inch shorter than me. You are those boys, the big kids on the block, the 5th graders, your last year at APAAS. I know I’m going to cry at the end of the year. I refuse to get teary-eyed now though.
Your summer started at a cool beach condo with us, Oma, Opa, Uncle Rob, Aunt Roda and your cousin, TJ (Troy). You loved the beach, sand and all. Even your dad managed to enjoy some beach time. He really doesn’t like sand getting all over the place. The condo was right on the beach and the sand was super soft. You and TJ hunted for sea shells and made sand angels, played Frisbee, horse shoes and flew kites. Your dad barbecued and Roda made her famous beef stew. It was yet another vacation, thanks to Oma and Opa’s generosity. They picked the perfect location and what a great time to go to the beach - not crowded and still cool in the early mornings and late afternoon.
The rest of your summer included fun at Vacation Bible School, lots of swimming, piano and voice recitals, clay art lessons, sunflower and wildflower fields, visiting with cousins and school mates, going to the aquarium and completing Lego projects you received as Christmas gifts. It was relaxed and yet steady with time to read two assigned summer books and review math (Oma is an incredible help with keeping you and TJ focused on your education, even during the summer months). Are you ready for 5th grade?
I do believe so! Not only did you do studies, you also kept to a schedule. You wanted to continue waking up early during the summer, so it wouldn’t be a hard adjustment to the ludicrous 7am start to your school day. We did just that, got up early during the summer - so hopefully no morning grumpies... for either of us, when you begin 5th grade on Monday.
This past week I met with your 5th grade teachers. They are eager and excited for the school year (a mantra I’m sure they repeat to themselves, God bless teachers!).. One is a teacher, with 18 years experience. The other teacher is starting her teaching career at your school. I know you will do your best. I hope you continue to enjoy learning and helping others. Your thirst for knowledge and willingness to learn is one of the many things I appreciate about you, sweet son. Never let that go in life, no matter your age.
Love Always,
Mom
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