"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
-- Lao Tzu
Dear Carter Christopher,
So much changes in one year, and so much stays the same. Your latest growth spurt has put you at 100 lbs on the scale, and at nearly my eye level, and I'm altogether alarmed by this reality.
On the other hand, your eyes still bear your soul, ask your questions, and reveal your feels, as they always have.
You started fourth grade this very week, and gratefully, you still love school and learning. You've got a favorite buddy in your class, and it has been tender to watch the seeds of that friendship start to grow. I know we're totally depraved people, but I see in you the capacity to be a kind and trustworthy friend, and we hope for rich and fruitful friendships in your life.
Speaking of school, when Lukey started kindergarten last year, you gave him sage advice that only a big brother could give: Just follow directions, do your work, and have fun playing on the playgrounds. He's lucky to have you looking out for him.
You two welcomed a puppy to the fold at Christmas. You've always been a natural with the neighborhood pups, and it's fun to watch you with your own.
When I came to visit you this spring, you asked me if I'd like to "check out your athletic skills." That was an easy yes, and we played basketball at "the hoop" in your neighborhood. You also took a leap and played on a flag football team this summer, never taking the field without your official Georgia Bulldog receiver gloves.
I'm proud of you for trying new things, especially when you're nervous at first.
And my goodness, the sports. You memorize the ESPN news ticker without effort, and you pore over baseball card collections from two generations before you. You don't miss an opportunity to comment on playoffs or championships or tournament brackets in any discipline.
This isn't new, but it's worth noting: Your mom and dad continue to be so faithful in persevering as your parents. They advocate for you and encourage you and engage with you about all sorts of things going on in your heart and mind. They're still wild for you.
They'll look back on this year and want to remember these things.
I'd describe Carter's personality with these few words:
mom: Gentle, kind, inquisitive, loving.
dad: 99% boy, 1% his mom's snuggle buddy.
Carter is most grown-up when he ...
mom: Curls himself up and gets lost in a book.
dad: Is putting on deodorant. ðŸ˜
Carter was proudest this year when he ...
mom: Completed his swimming program that he has worked on for 2.5 years.
dad: Finally graduated to Elite Fish status and got his trophy for finishing swim lessons.
My proudest moment as a parent this past year was ...
mom: When Carter learned a new boy was starting school with him. He was so excited to meet him. We reminded him about what it was like to be new and to be extra-kind and inclusive. Turns out Carter and the new boy got along great and quickly became friends. Two weeks later, I met the boy's father who made a point to tell me that his son talked about how kind Carter was to him on the first day and days that followed. This boy, whose name is Ethan, is now one of Carter's closest friends. Every day the last thing I tell my kids is, "be kind." I'm glad to know they are listening.
dad: When Carter welcomed a new kid to his class in the middle of the school year. His teacher gave him responsibility to help this classmate get adjusted. He took initiative to develop a friendship with him. They are best friends now.
Carter's best qualities are:
mom: His kind heart and his desire to learn.
dad: His curiosity, his kindness, his innocence, his persistence.
The hardest question Carter asked me/us this year was ...
mom: When will Covid be gone? When can things go back to normal?
dad: Why isn't anyone passing me the ball? That was after 3 flag football games and no balls thrown his direction.
After his tenth birthday, I'm most looking forward to ...
mom: Watching him gain more confidence in who he is and who he can become.
dad: Watching how his desire for sports participation evolves.
When I consider your single decade in this world, it is somehow both short and long. Time has flown, but there is deep satisfaction and reward in watching you grow.
It seems like only a few miles, and yet a lot of little steps.
We're so proud of the things you've tried, the steps you've taken. New books, unfamiliar sports, cooking camp, caring for a puppy, and even initiating friendship.
These are all steps in a journey of a thousand miles, and it's a joy to be on the journey with you, Little Man.
Happy tenth. We adore you, still.
