Tomorrow you start kindergarten.
You’ll navigate bus rides and lunch lines.
Make new friends.
Learn to read in two languages.
and start to realize the world is very big, but also pretty small.
Tonight I watched you sleep.
I recalled your movements in my belly.
How you observed first and smiled next as a baby.
When you first walked.
and how your little hand felt in mine as we walked together into daycare, then preschool, and now “big kid” school.
Tomorrow you start kindergarten.
Each day, more independence.
More challenges.
More achievements.
More soccer on the playground, and more subjects to learn.
Tonight I held you tight.
We don’t cuddle as much anymore (you are always on the go).
but mine is the first lap you seek when sick, hurt or upset.
You are daddy’s best friend, and you will always be my pal.
You taught me of patience and love I had never known.
Tomorrow you start kindergarten.
If I could keep you little forever, I wouldn’t.
All your life, I have wondered who you will become and where you will go.
Everything is new for me, experiencing for the first time with you. We figure it out together.
All the adventures, all the tomorrows we’ve had already.
I pray for a million more with you.
Tonight you woke up to me kissing your forehead.
Praying over you.
I said goodnight, hugged you close and tucked you in.
Tomorrow you start kindergarten.

