Dear Sam,

Tomorrow is the day.  Your first day of preschool.  I'm really not sure how this happened, since I'm pretty sure I just gave birth to you yesterday. 

You are SO excited.  We went and toured your classroom and met your teacher a few nights ago.  While we were there, Ms. Brittany had planned a little activity for you and your classmates.  You were supposed to color a little paper person to look like you to identify your spot at the table.  Maggie, the little girl sitting next to you, meticulously colored her paper person's clothes in coordinating shades of pink and purple.  You, on the other hand, reached into the crayon box without looking, grabbed the first crayon your fingers landed on, scribbled across your person's shirt 3 times and declared, "I'm done."  Boys vs girls....

I've thought and thought about what I most want you to remember as you start this new chapter of your life.  I want you to love learning.  I want you to always treat others with the same kindness that I see you exhibiting now.  And I want you to remember that God loves you, just like he loves all of the other children in your class.  And because God loves them (even if they're mean to you), you need to love them too.  It's a hard lesson.  I went to school for a long time, and I've been out of school for a long time, and I STILL struggle with it. 

But I know you can do it, Sam.  You are a big boy for your age, and I've always said it's because you needed a big body for your big heart.  Let yourself love, baby.  It's hard, and sometimes it hurts, but it's ALWAYS the right thing to do.  You have it inside you.  I see it every day when you come hug me for no reason.  When you share with your sister even when she doesn't reciprocate.  When you gently pet the dog.  When you insist that daddy lie in bed and listen to the Eagles at night.  Your ability to love is one of your greatest assets. 

I'm so proud of you.  I can't wait to hear all about your first day...and all of the others after that. 

Love,
Mommy
Romans 12:2