I appreciate the form you gave us to fill out so that you could get to know our children better, but I couldn't help but notice how small the space was underneath the section that asked if there was anything additional or special about our children that we wanted you to know. Perhaps you didn't realize how special my Hadlie is so you had no idea that I would need more space.
You see, Hadlie is going to walk in your room tall and brave tomorrow. She'll do that because that's what Hadlie does. She'll speak with confidence and make us all laugh before we leave. She never misses an opportunity to be funny when she's with us. But it's when we walk away that I need you to see into her eyes and into her soul. I won't be there to tell you, so I'm trusting you'll know.
Hadlie will not seek attention nor will she cry. But she will be just as nervous as the rest of the children. Hadlie will not disobey or act out. She is very fearful of getting in trouble. In fact, should she accidentally do something that is displeasing to you, she will look very sad and withdraw into herself. I tell you this because this is how she lets you know that it hurts her heart to see you disappointed. She hates disappointing others.
My Hadlie will also sit alone and play alone. Not because she lacks social skills or because she is not friendly, but because it doesn't bother her to play alone. If she is not invited or encouraged to play with others, often times she will not. My Hadlie is hesitant to include herself, but once she has been included she is well liked and tons of fun. I need you to make sure she's included. I will worry all day that she's not making friends. I'm trusting that you'll make sure she does.
Hadlie will not ask you for help, and if she does I beg you to take the time to give it to her. It is not lost on me that there are a zillion little people all vying for your attention tomorrow. But she is not needy, and she will not ask for anything unless she really needs it. She will speak quietly and appear very shy. This is because she will feel nervous to actually speak to you. I promise this will change by the end of the year.
My girl is afraid to try things she may not be good at, and she fears getting an answer wrong. Please do not mistake her for unintelligent. Just keep encouraging her. And praise her effort.
I know so much of this may seem silly. She's not the first kindergartner you've ever had. I know, you've got this. That's why you are the teacher!
But I am the parent, and tomorrow a piece of my heart will leave me for the first time in almost 6 years. She will go to a place I will not be, with people I do not know, and make friends that I have not met. I will miss seeing her smile light up the room when she learns something new, and I will miss the laughter that she fills our home with.
I beg you to see what a light she is in the lives of all she meets. She is smart, and funny, and she has the most beautiful soul. She knows and loves Jesus in a way most cannot comprehend. She is a proud big sister and an adored little sister. Part of my heart beats solely because she exists in my world.
Tomorrow I will hand you my baby girl, and you will introduce her to a world she must navigate without me. Please love her well for me...
Hadlie's Mom
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