Dear Daughter,
We're just a few days away from your first day of kindergarten. It's amazing how quickly you've come to like the idea of school, when just a week or so ago, you wanted nothing to do with it. You even told me at one point that you wanted to stay little forever, as you quietly sucked your thumb and held your favorite blanket tight. I hate to admit it, but I actually liked the idea. These last couple of years have been so wonderful, so precious with you, I just can't seem to get enough.
Now, you can't wait to go, and honestly your Mom and I are still struggling to let you go.
We have so many memories together in just the last five years, it's impossible to list them all. Trips to the park, trips far away and to places near and dear. Nights in watching a movie. Los tres, los tres! we yelled as we kissed you and held you tight. There were so many nights you'd fall asleep before one of us got home, and we passed the time watching your angelic face as you slept, your chest rising and falling with every breath.
Even as I get older and my memory slowly starts to fade, there are things that are etched permanently in my mind. For example, I still remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. We waited to have you, you know. We were working on your older sisters' paperwork, and always wanted them to feel a part of our family, regardless of the distance. So we waited some time before you were born so that they could feel a part of it all.
So we planned, and waited, and planned some more. Looking for clothes, food and furniture in the smallest of places. So. much. fun. Yet nothing could prepare us for the love we wold feel for you, nor the wonderful experiences we would share and the memories we'd make together. Your mother would constantly talk to you as you waited to be born, with such loving words and compassion. I was always moved by her love for you, even in the midst of a difficult pregnancy. Since you were my firstborn, I found myself constantly searching the internet for your different stages of development, foods for you to eat and what to do. The day you entered this world, we wept in joy, grateful for the gift that God had given to us.
During those first few months, your mom was a trooper, being patient with me as I learned a new role. I struggled at first (a lot actually), but she kept at it to help me be the dad I am now. And you grew, slowly at first, but then quickly. As you continued to grow so did our love for you, in ways I'd never imagined.
Then you started to crawl, then to walk, and then to form words. I was constantly amazed at how quickly you developed. Even the words you didn't know as well, you pronounced with such great force (Shashasocky - chocolate) - words only a parent would understand and love. There were the vaccinations, the questions, the scrapes and bruises, all part of the wonderful cycle that is a family.
Then your sisters arrived, first the one, then the other, and you accepted them as your own. And while I know the adjustment of not being the center of all our love and attention was hard at first, you adapted and loved them. You've also made friends over these few years, and it has been my joy to watch you become generous and loving to them, slowly understanding the big world around you.
And now my baby girl, you stand so tall these days at the age of five, ready for the next step. I must confess I'm not ready to let you go just quite yet. Can't we just wait a little while longer to enjoy these last few summer days? But it doesn't matter does it? You see, life keeps going whether we are ready for it or not. All we can do is thank God for the memories we have and entrust you to Him for your future.
So as you begin yet another stage in your life, I pray that you will know that your Mother and I love you with all of your hearts. We want you you to know that we support you in all you do, and are so grateful for these last five years. We are here for you, honey, always and forever as long as God allows. We are so very proud of you and what you have accomplished. It has been an absolute joy to watch over you as you grow.
Have a great day your first day of school, honey.
Love,
Mom and Dad
