Letters to Ian: Two Hands

Dear Ian,

Two hands worth of birthdays. Wow

Today is your sixth birthday. At this very moment, six years ago, I was laying in a hospital bed, holding you and staring at your little face wondering about the person you would become. Tonight, I looked at your face, less baby and more and more big kid every second, and I had the same thought.

You're well on your way to being grown up. Your age now takes up two hands worth of fingers! But more importantly than the number, you're turning in to an amazing boy. You are funny, smart, and so much your own little person. There are moments still when I stop and my breath catches because I simply can't believe you're mine. And I am so proud of the young man into which you are growing.

Today I got to visit your classroom, share a special birthday lunch and snack with you and your classmates and spend some time hanging out in your room. Since it was your birthday, you got to

In the teacher's chair as your friends tell you all about you

sit up in the front of the room in the "teacher chair," and your friends were able to raise their hand and say something complimentary about you. There were some sweet comments about how you're a good soccer player and how your friends are glad they get to play with you, and then there were some truly heart-touching, to this mom anyway, moments. One little girl in your class said that she really liked how you try your best at things, and yet another classmate said that they really liked how you helped others who were hurting. More than one classmate said you were very kind, and a couple mentioned that you were a good friend.

Your teacher called you kind and thoughtful and willing to play and work with everyone. She also said that you were a dedicated student and a good role model to the others in your class. This made my heart feel so full, and it was in that moment, as I stood there trying not to get all teary eyed, that I realized exactly what I hoped and wished for that little tiny baby I held on October 19, 2009. I saw a world of potential in that new-born face. Would you grow up to be successful in your work? Would you one day discover something amazing? You have the whole world ahead of you. But I realize now, that more than anything spectacular that I may wish for you, my biggest hope and dream is that you are just a good person. I want you to be a friend to many and a beacon for others. I want for you to be confident and happy. And after hearing what your classmates had to say, and after all I've seen and heard from you during the last six years, I feel like I just might be doing something right. You're well on your way, and I couldn't be more proud.