Dear Ryan,
Tomorrow morning, you'll begin a new chapter: Elementary School, Part One: Kindergarten. The most important thing you should know is: We are so proud of you.
You'll meet new friends and learn new concepts (including Chinese!). Your teachers will explain new rules and routines. You'll use a new lunchbox, wear your new shoes and spend time at your new daycare before and after school. It's a lot of change for a little person, but we know you'll do extremely well.
Because even though you'll face a lot of new things, some things remain the same. You'll still be the smart, inquisitive kid we've always known. You'll still be sensitive and thoughtful as you and your new friends navigate this journey together. You'll still be kind to others, patient and supportive like you are with your little sister. You'll still have our love and attention every morning as you get ready to start the day, and every night as you share with us what you learned at school.
You'll still be shy and cautious, but that's OK. In the end, courage always seems to prevail for you. Remember that. Some things seem scary when they're new and unfamiliar (swimming pools, bicycles, tube slides), but once your courage kicks in all those things turn out to be really fun and exciting.
We will relish every moment of this journey with you - and even though we can't wait to see what type of young man you become, this is our promise: We won't rush things along.
Enjoy the freedom that comes with being a kid. Learn as much as you can each day, but play, too. Get involved in projects that excite you. Be silly. Speak up when you know the answers, but don't ever be afraid to ask for help.
Remember: We are so proud of you. Embrace the newness tomorrow brings, but stay true to who you are. Follow that simple advice and this will be the beginning of something wonderful.
Love,
Mom and Dad
