Audrey Nole,
Today, your brother and I dropped you off for your very first day of Kindergarten. I’m honestly not sure how we’ve known you long enough to be sending you to school, but here we are. Despite a global pandemic, you are embarking on the journey of a lifetime: Learning! I know that you will be a bright light in that classroom. And even though your mouth will most likely be covered, the world will see your smile in those giant eyes that God gave you. They are an unexpected, and very welcome, gift in these strange times that we are living in.
Your daddy and I have said over and over in the last month that it seems surreal to already have a kindergartener. Most days it feels as if you’ve been in our lives for as long as we can remember, but then there are days when the memories of meeting you for the first time seem so vivid that it’s literally unbelievable that you are 5 and heading off to school. We have prayed and prayed that this year would be the most wonderful yet. That you would go to school and thrive where God has you and bring back all of that excitement and joy to share with us at home. I’m so looking forward to our conversations on the way home from school and around the dinner table as you expand your world and discover all the new things that school brings you.
Harry and I will miss you while you’re gone, but it will make the time we have in the mornings and evenings that much more special. Your little bro really does adore you, and it is such a pleasure to see you love on him. Now you will get to tell him all about the world and share all the wonderful things you are learning in kindergarten. It’s going to be a blast!
I know that today, and likely most of this year, will be harder for me and daddy than it is for you. We are sending you out into the world and covering you in prayer. We have prayed for deep and wonderful friendships for you. For a deeper knowledge of who God is so that you can learn to trust Him all on your own; that you might know that God is the best, most consistent, caring, friend in all of the certain and uncertain times in your life. He shares in your joy and your pain. He sustains without abandon. So, my dear sweet girl, Happy First Day of Kindergarten! Mama, Daddy, and Harry love you so, so much; and I’m sure that George is cheering you on from Heaven. (if there was such a thing as jealousy in heaven, he might be experiencing that today… because kindergarten really is the best ever!)
I can’t wait to give you an enormous hug when I pick you up today!
Love you sweet girl!
“Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Joshua 1:9 (the MSG)
