October 29, 2012

Dear Peanut,

At church you are learning about generosity.  This is something you already know a bit about.  You have a generous heart.  You are able to be empathetic.  This afternoon when you got home from school you asked for envelopes.  You took some up to your room.  I didn't ask what you were doing.  A while later I went up to check on you and there were three envelopes on your bed.  One addressed to me, one to your father and one to your brother.  I opened mine and there was a dollar bill and a piece of gum in there with a note.  My note said you loved me and I was the best mommy. 

You had taken money out of the birthday money you got just a couple days ago.  You gave us each one of your dollars and one piece of your gum.  You were sharing and showing your generosity.  I am very proud of you.  You want to make others happy.  You asked if we could give half of your "give" money to church and the other half to Jack.  I didn't understand which Jack you were talking about.  It's Jack Liu from China.  I think he is here visiting for a few months.  I guess they talk about him during kid activities, but I didn't know you knew anything about him. 

Where my heart stops in America and sometimes at my own doorstep, yours has no bounds.  Kids in Haiti need something - you want to go get it.  Someone needs something in China - you want to send it.  You see no borders or walls.  You see no difference.  I believe you see everyone as a person, not black, white, Hispanic or any other variety.  I realize you know the difference and you understand that this person is in fact, black and you are white, but it has no meaning to you. 

My dream for you is to always follow your heart.  Follow your heart and your brain will follow.

Love,
Mom

October 4, 2012

Dear Sweetface,

Today I whacked you with the van door.  I had no clue you were in the garage and my hands were full.  I managed to get a tiny grip on the back door and threw it down.  Right, on your head.  Ouch.  You seem fine though. 

I feel like you are close to learning to read.  I'm not sure why, you really don't know all your letters, but you seem to look at books and say what they say sometimes.  I know right now it's just remembering the name and certain words and stuff, but still.  It makes me feel like you are closer rather than farther.

Some days I have horrible guilt because we stay home together and I don't do anything.  I do some laundry, run errands and sit at the computer.  You play, sing and entertain yourself.  Why don't I do more?  Why am I such a lazy parent?  I'm working on it.  I'm trying to work on it.

Anyway, I love you and hope the bump on your head is OK.

Love,
Mom