In a week my second baby will start Kindergarten. I am a bag of mixed emotions. Will I be relieved for the “quiet” it will bring, absolutely, but I worry him. He is the definition of a Sour Patch Kid. He will drive you up a wall one minute but then run in the room and whole heartedly thank you for the most random thing – hug you with all his might – and melt your heart. In every way he is ferocious. From the way he brushes his teeth, the games he plays, tells stories, to the way he loves. He is a people person who knows no strangers. When he walks to the bathroom at restaurants he strives to make eyes contact with anyone just to be able to talk to them. He desires relationships with people. Last year in preschool he required speech therapy for articulation issues. It broke my heart one day when he came from school telling me about a little boy who told him they weren’t friends because of the way he talked. Of course, the next day he came home and said they were now friends – but that is my fear for him. He will go above and beyond to attain these friendships so he isn’t always aware when he becomes the butt of someone else’s joke. You want to see a Momma Bear? Let me catch that happening. Lonnie and I both see the potential in that kid’s heart. His ability to forgive, love, accept, and bring joy. He breaks down into tears if you leave without getting a hug and a kiss. He is all boy in every sense of the phrase. Athletics come naturally to him. He’s rough and tough. He busted his front tooth out twice, he’s required stitches, and has a wicked scar on his arm from a run in with a piece of sheet metal. Outside with no shirt is his happy place. He’s naturally funny and hates bathing.
I have heard a lot about middle children getting lost in their families but this guy makes his presence in this family known. His older brother is his best friend and says at least a dozen times how much he misses him if he is somewhere without him. I love how he picks on his little sister. I know that sounds bizarre but as someone who does a lot of picking, I get it. I know that is how he is showing her love. I know it will develop into an entertaining albeit mischievous relationship at they get older. I love that he has an in depth fascination with the weather. He wants to watch the news just to see the weather. If you ever need the forecast and he’s around just ask him 😉
I’m not worried about his educators. All of them have fallen in love with him and though they will be required to take a firm hand with him he will love them for it. I worry about other kids. I worry about them breaking his spirit. I worry that as he gets older and these kids project their insecurities on him he will fade.
So as my baby starts Kindergarten this year, this is my prayer for him:
That he will continue to love fiercely.
That he will embrace learning with his contagious enthusiasm.
That he won’t lose love for people and that others won’t seek to dull his spirit.
Patience for his teacher.
J-Bird, My green eyed, full lipped, snaggle toothed, talkative, loving boy. I am and always will be your number one cheerleader! I’m in your corner pulling for you – wincing when you stumble and beaming with bride when you succeed. Always know that. I love you sweet boy! XOXOX