one whole hand

Dear Caleb,

You've been counting down the days to your fifth birthday for weeks, which made the fact that you woke up this morning feeling feverish even sadder than it would have been otherwise. You did your best to keep your chin up, though, which I know wasn't an easy thing to do, and on several occasions claimed that you were having a great day, even when it was clear that you felt miserable. You didn't want to let what would be diagnosed later in the day during a visit to our local urgent care as a classic case of strep throat stop you from having fun, so after a dose of ibuprofin, we headed to Manhattan's west side to fulfill your birthday dream with a round of miniature golf on the pier. And once your first teaspoon of amoxicillin had been administered, you were thrilled to unwrap your gift of Magna-Tiles and start building with them before it was time to blow out birthday candles and eat cake.

Though you are incredibly stubborn, you are also very sensitive and mindful of others, particularly, lately, with your baby brother, Daniel. It's been such a privilege for me to watch you grow and blossom these last five years into a boy I can't help but be proud of. You are determined, hard working, and surprisingly attentive to details. You love to solve puzzles and it's a rare thing for you to consider giving up. Just this week, with very little instruction from me, you learned how to tie your own shoes, and you couldn't be more pleased with this accomplishment. In two weeks you will start kindergarten, and while I am a little fearful that your natural shyness, occasional inflexibility and subsequent angry explosions will make the adjustment more difficult, I am also so excited for you to embark on this chapter of your childhood. You are destined for great things, Caleb. Remember that as you confront challenges and overcome obstacles.

I love you, dear boy. Be patient, with me and with those around you. Though it might sometimes feel like you are lost in the middle, please know that you are not. There is and always will be a special place in my heart carved out especially for you.

Love,
Mama