Dear Abby,
Today
you started fifth grade. I'm amazed by you. You still retain the little girl I
love as you grow into a preteen. You are not perfect, but neither am I.
Although I wish you were not such a picky eater I know that, like me, you will
one day eat a meal without me saying JUST TRY IT.
In
other ways you are too perfect. It is like you were created just for me. You make me laugh. Although you refuse to make your bed, you make Boo's
for her every morning.
I
am amazed by your kindness, your patience and your Abby-ness.
You
astounded me at Welcome Back Night at your school. When Boo was upset because
you were going off with your friends, you came back. You took your sister by
her hand and introduced her to everyone you saw. You navigated stairs (and I am
sure stares) with your sister. You took her to the bathroom and assisted her. I
do not know any other child your age that would help their sibling in the
bathroom. Or include her with your friends. Help her drink out of a water
bottle or hold a piece of pizza that she wants to eat but refuses to touch.
You made my heart swell
ten sizes too big when I overheard you say, this is just what big sister’s do.
What
amazes me is that I never have to ask. EVER. You just do what you do. I do not
know what Boo did to get such a fantastic big sister. But I am very thankful.
As
you grow you continue to amaze me. I love that you still want to hold my hand.
That you still need me. Too soon I know the day will come when I will embarrass
you with more than just my killer dance moves. I worry about that day. The day
when you are no longer mine.
I want you to know how
special and unique you are. How proud I am of you. When I see you interact with
adults and your peers. You have kindness within your soul and you never hide
it.
Thank you for all that you
are. As you enter fifth (gasp!) grade I have five wishes for you:
1.
That you surround yourself with friends like you. Friends that are
kind, forgiving and have empathy.
2.
That you do not fall into the tween trap of boys, music and makeup
before you are ready.
3.
That you remember it is okay to march to your own beat.
4.
That you keep one foot in the magic and one foot in the discovery.
5.
That you hold my hand just a little longer.
Love,
Mom
Mom
Aww, I was smiling reading about Abby here today and definitely sounds like you is growing into her own just perfectly. And I hope all your wishes come true for her now!! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Thanks for making me cry again today! Abby is amazing. Boo is amazing. You are amazing. Here's to her holding your hand for years and years to come.
ReplyDeleteAww, I love your wishes for her! Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteJust awesome! Hope she has a great school year!
ReplyDeleteoh Kerri, this brought tears to my eyes. I think she will be ready for #2 before you are and especially before David is. Your great parenting shows through Abby and Boo.
ReplyDeleteSherry
Abby we he you love fifth grade!!! Kerri, so grown up and no doubt amazing because of her wonderful family xx bron
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. So precious! Write those wishes down and post them somewhere where you can read them and think about what you can do that day to make them come true!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter sounds extraordinary!
ReplyDeleteI am beyond lucky, Allison
DeleteAwww Kerri this is such a sweet testament of love!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I am sure she is the way she is because she is learning from a great example and that, my friend, is you! xo
I can't believe I missed this post!!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the picky eating goes -- I was a picky eater too! I still can be kind of choosy when it comes to what I'll put on my plate, but I remember telling my mom that once I was off on my own, I would forgo all vegetables in favor of candy. ;) In reality, on my first day of freshman year at college, I looked down at my dinner plate and realized that I had included each of the food groups (including vegetables!) in my meal. So I agree -- we definitely become less picky as we get older!
And I love how Abby is such an amazing sister to Boo. I love that she came back for Boo and helped her out. Wow. There just aren't words. I want to thank her for not worrying about how her peers would perceive her, for coming back to help her sister. That really does mean a lot -- to Boo, I'm sure, but also to every person out there with a disability.
She says that this is just what big sisters do, but I don't think all big sisters of her age would be so kind and helpful. She is exceptional.
And she will ALWAYS be yours. I'm 20 years old and, while I may be embarrassed by my mom's killer dance moves too (LOL), she's one of my best friends.
I love the wishes that you have for her. I hope you share them with her.
Thank you for raising such an amazing daughter. xo