Tales of a Tireless Mom: So Much for My Hallmark Moment

“Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”  ~Les Brown

As my son Ben walked across the stage to collect his fifth grade “diploma” last week, I could hardly believe that we had gone from the Beth Israel delivery room to the last stop before Middle School in just the blink of an eye. While I desperately wanted to impart some motherly words of wisdom that would stay with him forever, instead I fought back tears as he did his best not to get hugged by his weepy mom.

So much for my Hallmark moment.

Therefore, I’ve decided to tell my boy everything that I wanted to say but never got the chance to. While I’m quite sure that if he actually does read this then it will be with an embarrassed eye roll and a “Mommmm,” but I thought I’d go for it just the same.

*****

To my Ben,

It’s so hard to believe that that tiny little person who changed my life forever has just graduated from the Fifth Grade.  I think of those special moments since you started school - your first bus ride, that initial Dr. Seuss book that you read all the way through, the pride you showed in a great report card – and I’m amazed at how far you have come.  Your time in Elementary School has done so much to shape the person that you are today and I couldn’t be more proud.

As you continue on to the Middle School, I encourage you to keep reaching. If there is one thing I can impress upon you, it’s to never get too comfortable or become satisfied with anything less than great. Although it can be hard to keep pushing yourself, that’s how you become extraordinary and I for one can’t wait to see what you are capable of. 

Be kind. Be respectful. Be honest – no matter how difficult it may be. Study hard. Work harder. Take pride in learning and celebrate your victories, because you will have earned them. When you feel like you hit a wall, seek help. Knowing when to raise your hand and ask a question is perhaps one of the most important lessons you will ever learn. It doesn’t make you look dumb; not only will it make you smarter and a more effective student, but chances are that there will be other kids in your class who didn’t get it either.

Make the most of every day and never stop reaching for the stars. I’m so proud of how far you have come, and Middle School is just the beginning of the next exciting part of your life. In the classroom as well as in everything you do, be extraordinary. I can’t imagine you any other way.

Love, Mom