Letters to my Children | My Little Man

Dear Jimmy,

“Mommy, can I have a long hug?”

From the little boy that prides himself on never, I mean absolutely never, showing affection of any sort, those are the words that melt my heart.

I don’t remember when the “long hug” first appeared but you did think that up all on your own. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but you always make me abide by the rules:

1. it only happens at tuck-in time,
2. you must be the initiator,
3. you must be laying flat on your back with your covers tucked around so just your arms are out and I must hover above (see 5),
4. it lasts only as long as you want it to,
5. I can’t squeeze too tight or it’s over (which is hard when I’m hovering over you as not to squish you because I never get hugs from you so I want it to last even longer than you want it to.)

Your hugging rules sum up your rules for any human to human contact: you must initiate and it’s totally on your terms or not at all.

Watching you adjust to kindergarten this year has been really tough. I know that you’ve struggled, too. The transition to school didn’t come easy for you. I was afraid how we’d get through that first couple months knowing how you like to be in control of every situation. As long as I live, I will never forget the day I carried you kicking, screaming, and sobbing to the bus. You had hit the wall a month in to kindergarten.

As you approach the end of the school year, I couldn’t be more proud of how far you’ve come. You finally let your guard down. A little. I’m excited to see you excel in your daily work and, more importantly, care about how you’re doing. I was so proud of you tonight as you decided it would be fun to write a book and needed help spelling the big words. By golly, I think you’ll be a scholar yet!

Sadly, my little boy has slipped away while you were at school. Your innocence is waning. Your attitude has changed.

I can’t wait to spend the summer getting reacquainted with this new little man you have become.

I love you, bud!
Mom

This is the second installment in a monthly blog circle, Letters to My Children. I have adored reading others’ letters and think it is a great way to document our life. I hope the kids will appreciate reading this, now and in years to come. Life is busy. I want to use this exercise to keep me present in the moment and remind myself what wonderful children I’ve been blessed with. 

Please continue through the circle by reading Kimberly Muro’s letter to her son HERE.