Dear Patrick

Tomorrow, you start kindergarten.  Tomorrow, my heart breaks.  Not for you of course, but for me.  I'm the one losing something here...you are my buddy, my companion, my daily friend.  I know, I know, I get to stay with Maura...but she isn't you.  She doesn't have your sense of humor, or your conversation skills yet.  I hope you know how much I'll miss you.

I'm glad we got to meet this "new woman in your life" today.  But remember, nobody loves you more than your mama.  Mrs. M is very nice, and I'm sure she'll do a fine job teaching you all kinds of new things, but you'll still learn plenty of things at home too, just like always.

I hope you'll eat your lunch and not spend the whole half hour talking.  And I hope you'll eat your snack too.  It's going to be tough.  You have to learn how to balance your time.  I'm sure you will, but please remember to eat!  I can't bear to think of your hungry tummy!

Please ask to use the potty.  I know you sometimes get too busy...you wait until the last minute.  Please...don't.  Go when you have to, and not at the last minute.  You'll be thankful later.

Mrs. M has a lot to teach you.  Listen.  Listen well.  Love her (but not as much as your mama!).  Play with your friends...get to know them.  You'll be with them for a long time.

At the end of the school day, I'll be there...in the school yard...with your sister, who might go crazy without you and Daddy all day.  And we'll walk home, and talk all about your day.  And summer will come before you know it.  Just don't ever forget how much I love you!