Dear Dylan,

Dear Dylan,
The purpose of this blog was to never forget the little memories, the one's that happen quickly and then leave just as quickly.  And so I wanted to take a minute to talk to you about this past week.

I am very proud of you.  Starting sixth grade is very different than the start of any other grade.  I've told you this many times, but sometimes I just look at you with amazement at how quickly you're growing and developing into a young man.  Not a baby, not a toddler - not quite yet a teen - but certainly a maturing young man.

You confidently ventured out the door to a new school, many new faces and a completely different routine.  I only saw one moment of apprehension as we stood in the kitchen on that very day of middle school when you said, "Mom, I'm really nervous".  Thank you for holding my hand as we prayed for God to protect you and bring you comfort and peace during those nervous moments. That tells me a lot about your character. And then, with a big sigh,  you pushed forward and ran out the door.  I remember days in the past that you would have cried and asked not to go.  Doing something new and unknown is scary, but you're maturing and growing and learning.  I'm very proud of you.

In case you forget all the new hurdles you've met, this week you:

• mastered an alarm clock
• started your day an hour earlier than in the past years
• rode a new school bus, with new kids and a new driver
• figured out how to use a combination lock 
• met eight new teachers for eight new classes
• figured out how to get back to your locker, grab your stuff and get to the next class in 5 minutes flat
• found someone to sit with at lunch
• submitted your first on-line assignment
• remembered to bring home the homework from 1st period, even after 8th period
• set your own after school routine that included both outside time AND homework

This week is just one of the many changes you'll encounter in life.  How you master change will say a lot about you as a person.  There are many things I don't know.  I don't know where you'll go to college (or IF you'll go to college), I don't know who you'll choose for a life partner (or IF you'll choose a life partner), I don't know what you'll do for a profession (yes, you WILL get a job), but there's one thing I do know.  I know that your Dad and I will always love you, encourage you and support you.  We are blessed.

Love, 

Mom