Dear Chase,
Time flies.
Just because it’s cliché, doesn’t make it many less true. However, I think you’ll find as you get older that age burins increased perspective to this platitude. For example, you and I have been witness to the same five and a half years, but it’s moving much faster for me than it is for you. Rarely have I heard you say, “Geez Dad, I can’t believe you’re 44 already.”
On the other hand, because I’m your parent, your age and progress will never cease to amaze me. And so some 2042 days after you were born, we reach the milestone of you starting kindergarten. I know you are excited and as an event it’s on your radar, but you are probably unaware of the complete magnitude of this event. Since you are our youngest child, everyone is now in school. No kids at home. It’s a big deal.
As proud as was to see you marching confidently off to school today, it’s not hard to be a bit melancholy. now that you’re in school, it closes a significant chapter in our parenting life. For the better part of steve years we’ve at least one baby, toddler, or pre-schooler at home. It’s been an amazing ride and one I’m not sure I want to get off. It’s like finishing the first loop of Coastersaurus at Legoland and everyone screams, “Again! Again!” When I joke with Mom about more babies, it’s because I’ve enjoyed this ride so much and pulling into the station is bittersweet. This is also why I hug you so tight–I’m trying not only to embrace you, but also hold on to time that encompasses your youth.
I know it’s hard being the little brother. At the dinner table, you have to fight for conversational air time with your verbose big brother. Ryan gets to go on more rides at Disneyland because he’s taller. Heck, even your name implies that you’re following someone. So while Dad may seems unsympathetic to your plight, I get it. I’m a second child as well.
At the same time, I think you’ll find that life has a why of providing everything you need. Being born into our family second, you’ve been endowed with a course and fortitude that serve you well. On Saturday, you ran out and played soccer with older boys without fear or hesitation. You jump into the deep end of the pool with reckless abandon.
…and you started school today with the coolness of a seasoned pro. No tears. No drama. No problem.
Just like that–we get off one ride and on to the next. The Matsumotos are stepping of the pre-school carousel and hopping on the “Both Boys in School” roller coaster. And who better to accompany me on this ride than you, the family daredevil. It’s you and I in the family that enjoy thrill rides and this one looks to be a doozy. As we click-click-click to the top of the roller coaster, I’m excited to be sitting next to you watching your face as we go around each curve and through each loop.
Love,
Dad
