Today was Will’s first day of kindergarten. Such a big day for him!  I was so proud to see how he walked right into his new school carrying his great big backpack, settled into his seat and began his school career.    He is such a good boy.

I couldn’t help but think of my aunt today. She would have loved this day so much.  Those of you who knew Aunt Connie, know how much she loved Will.  She probably would have greeted him at the end of the school day with a big bunch of balloons or sugary treat. It is days like today that I miss her more than I can put into words.  All of the firsts she will never see… I know she is seeing them. I just wish she was here with us to experience them all, so that Will and Maddy could know her and love her like I do.

This is a picture of my Aunt Connie and my Granny.  Both of them are gone now.  This was taken when Will was just 5 days old. It is probably one of my most precious photos. A simple snapshot but there was just so much love there.

The poem below was given to me by my Granny, when Will was just a baby.  Now is the perfect day to share it.  You can tell by some of the verbage that it was written long ago, but how true the words and sentiments still ring today.

World, Take My Son by the Hand

My son started school today.  It’s going to be strange and new to him for awhile.

And I wish you would sort of treat him gently.

You see, up to know, he’s been the king of the roost. He’s been the boss of the back yard.

I’ve always been around to repair his wounds and to soothe his feelings.

But now…things are going to be different. He’s going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on

his great adventure that will probably one day include wars and tragedy and sorrow.

To live his life in the world he has to live in will require faith and love and courage.

So, world, I wish you would take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know.

Teach him, but gently, if you can.

He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just.   That all men are not true.

Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero – for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader.

That for every enemy there is a friend.

Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest people to lick.

Teach him the wonders of books. Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun,

and flowers on the green hill.

Teach him that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.   Teach him to have faith in his own ideas,

even if everyone else tells him they are wrong.

Try and give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is jumping on the bandwagon.

Teach him to listen to all men, but to filter all he hears on the screen of truth and to take only

the good that comes through.

Teach him to sell his brawn and his brains to the highest bidder,

but never to put a price on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears on a howling mob, and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.

Teach him gently, world, but don’t coddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

This is a big order, world, but see what you can do.

He’s such a nice little fellow.

- Anonymous