Kindergarten Ends

Unexpectedly the ending of Kindergarten for Joshua has been more emotional for me than sending him to Kindergarten! I'm not sad for him growing up, I enjoy watching him grow and learn. I don't want to keep him in Kindergarten forever. So, I'm not sure what this pang is in the pit of my stomach this week is. I know it started with his end of the year celebration. The kindergarten classes sang, danced and performed for us. Joshua was so excited to show us all he learned and he practiced for weeks. It was adorable. Josh's Kindergarten teacher made us this precious DVD, about 10 minutes long, and I cried the whole time, then after, then on the way home and haven't been right since. All week I have reflected on what an impact his Kindergarten teacher, Miss Lynch has made on our lives. Helping us get Joshua started on the right foot in school, not only academically but socially. She knew exactly how to handle him and has been able to pull the best from him. Tonight I sat down and wrote her a note. I wanted to share it, I know many of my friends are teachers, and being on this side of the situation, at the mercy of someone to be good at their job for the sake of my child, is humbling and makes me so grateful for all the hard work all you teachers do each and every day. So thank you...

Dear Miss Lynch, It wasn't easy to send Joshua on that big yellow bus that day. I distinctly remember the strong urge to follow it. I hadn't had trouble "letting go" before, but this day was different. It marked the beginning of a new era of his childhood and my mommy-hood. I would no longer be his biggest influence. Nor would I be his preferred playmate. I was handing him over to "kindergarten" where he would start his journey of school. I strongly believe that the beginning sets the tone for the rest of these elementary school years - then the difficult intermediate and middle school years and finally those confusing high school years. But, inside, I had a peace that day. All because of the meet the teacher night when you SAW Joshua for WHO he was and from that moment on, you made such a commitment to make sure to get the best out of him. And you did. You're gifted at that. Stern, yet gentle. Structured, but spontaneous and fun. Organized but exciting. You are the definition of a perfect Kindergarten teacher. you know how to teach to the child instead of teaching at him/her. I asked Josh why he loved having you as his teacher. He said " I love Miss Lynch because she is fun!" That says so much to me coming for him. A boy of few words, he doesn't always express positive emotion. But to say he "loves" you means he is comfortable with you, can be himself around you, is not intimidated by you, but respects you. And feels good enough about himself that he can express that feeling. You have helped us get the best start possible for him inihis life of learning. And for that, we are forever grateful. Love, Tabitha Bradley