First Day

"Felt so nervous in the morning light,

Still Mom said it would be alright,
But I had  giant -sized butterflies on that first day..."


And mom told me, 'when you first came,
Into this world we felt the same.
We had giant-sized butterlies on that first day'...


Then she opened the back seat door,
And told me what butterflies are for.
That they were meant to fly;
They were meant to be your guide..."

- Justin Roberts (Giant-Sized Butterflies from his album Pop Fly)

A side-walk chalk message for our guy: Like a caterpillar coming out of a cocoon, today you get your wings.  Have a great first day of school!

To my Oliver on your very first day of school:

Today my heart is full of pride and happiness on this special day.  I hope that you will take with you the lessons we've tried to teach: be kind to others, be guided by your Christian faith, and make yourself proud.  While it may seem like you have had to do all the learning these last 5 years, you have been teaching me all the while.

Before you came along, I didn't know what it was like to be a mother. You have taught me that I have more capacity for love than I ever thought possible.  You helped me discover my own strength, tenacity and confidence.  Before you came along, the years slipped by me without much notice.  You have brought fullness to my days and helped me to rediscover the joy in simple things.  You have made me laugh and reminded me that humor is an essential part of life.  You have also made me cry - for joy, sorrow and frustration.  But, along with the tears has come an understanding that I must relish the highs and get through the lows.

Sweet boy, I also want you to know that although you are taking little steps toward becoming your own person, I will always be right behind you.  You have many years of school ahead of you and so much to learn, from your Dad and I, your teachers and the world around you.  Enjoy the road with all its twists and turns and never lose your spirit.  You are a joy to us; go out and share that joy with everyone!

With all my love,

Mom