Come, Mommy

My Dear Liam,

Five years ago tonight, on a Thanksgiving evening, you came to us and changed a husband-and-wife duo into a family. At first, and for a long time after, you were a Mommy-only baby, but eventually you reached out and allowed others into your life – Daddy, Gran-Gran, Pop-Pop. You were ever so shy around anyone you didn’t know; I thought you would be hiding your face in the crick of my neck forever.

Then, last year, with the start of nursery school, and more so this year, with your move into Kindergarten, you have lost a lot of that baby shyness. Your world has grown so, and while your Daddy and I are clearly still the center of that world, you are reaching out more and more to friends, old and new. With those big blue eyes, inherently sunny disposition, and your uncannily adult-like speech you can bring a smile to almost anyone’s face. You are very sensitive towards others, and cautious about new situations.

I’ve watched you grow from baby to toddler to big boy. You still have a lot of growing ahead of you, my dear, and although I would never rush you along in life, I do sometimes imagine the young man you will one day be. And when I dream those dreams, I see a man with the sensitivity, intelligence, and eloquence that it takes to be a real force for good in the world. Maybe it’s the not-so-fine times our country is going through these last few years, but I feel the world needs all the help it can get from the force-for-good department.

That’s a lot to ask from anyone, so while I thank you for indulging my dreams for a moment, all I really want for you right now is for you to keep on playing, making friends, inventing songs, stomping in puddles and doing all those happy and important childhood things you are already doing. And as you grow I hope that your love of life, people, and animals is unblemished, that your boundless curiosity remains unfettered, and that your intellectual and emotional strength help you to lead a strong and centered life. Or to cut to the chase, I want you to be happy and able to overcome the major and minor obstacles that show up in the road of life.

Today I give thanks for the blessing that is you. I can’t wait to see how you’ll grow and explore this next year of your life, and you know that Daddy, Kiri, and I will be right there loving you every step of the way. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday, Mr. 5.

Love,

Mommy