Dear Carson,
Tomorrow you turn SIX!
And you are over-the-top, oh so crazy, exuberantly excited about your birthday.
And that is one of the things I love best about you-- your exuberance for everything. You love life-- people and experiences, and pretty much everything that comes your way. In a world that is often filled with so much that is dark and hard you are always a breath of fresh air to me. You have joy in abundance, and one day I hope you realize what a gift that is.
You have had the most amazing kindergarten year! You have grown up so much this year and that hasn't always been easy for me-- it can be hard for mamas to watch their youngest baby change so much so fast-- but I am fiercely proud of you and all you have accomplished this year. You were excited to go to school every single day; and excited to come home and tell me all about it. You have a few favorites, but you really seem to consider all of your classmates your friends-- I love this. You love to learn and you really like to read to anyone who will listen-- and show us all of the other things you have learned. You absorb everything you learn at school and we hear about it at all kinds of times throughout our days-- about recycling, about your sight words, about counting by 5s and 10s, and so many other things. Your first year of public school was an overwhelming success.
You have a very sweet and cheerful personality, most of the time. You talk a lot. Sometimes we call Grandmama so she can talk to you so my mind can have a rest :) Sometimes you follow me around the house and talk me straight into exhaustion-- and I love it-- but your Grandmama likes to have a turn to talk to you too :) Probably five times a day or more you say, "Mama, do you want to know something?"--and then you are off into a pretty lengthy story. And, I need you to know that I will always, always want to know anything you want to tell me. Always. You can tell me anything and I promise I will listen and I will hear you. I will talk through things or I will be a quiet place for you to release and unload to. I will be your secret keeper or I will be the one who storms doors and fights battles for you. Whatever you need, to the best of my ability, I will do for you. Always.
You love me in the sweetest way. It feeds my soul and soothes me and heals me and gives me strength when days seem so hard sometimes. My days are filled with kisses and hugs, "I love yous" and "You're the best mom ever"-- and those are the best parts of my day. You have a gift for encouragement, and not just for me-- you naturally encourage and uplift others. You are genuinely proud of others when they succeed, and sad when they fail or are hurting. Empathy comes so naturally to you, and I pray it always does.
This year the word I have chosen to pray over you is self-control. Lately you have had a crazy fiery temper starting to come out, and I'll be honest, it worries me. We have already had a number of talks about learning to control that temper instead of letting it control you-- but we still have a long way to go. Choices have consequences and our responses and reactions to things have consequences. It is so important to be able to stay calm and stay in control in order to make good choices. This is my prayer for you this year.
You have also started asking really good questions about God, and Jesus, and the Bible. You are learning and growing and getting so close to a personal relationship with Jesus, I feel so sure. I can't wait to watch as your own salvation story and walk with Jesus unfolds. Keep learning and listening and loving Him.
Carson, you are funny and smart and kind and exuberant. We are all so lucky to have you in our family. I am so proud to be your mom.
I love you Cargy. More than words can describe.
Love,
Mama
