Thank You Kindergarten

Well, it's here, the end of Kindergarten.

I could not have imagined how melancholy this ebb of emotions would be. Obviously we're proud of our 6-year-old for finishing, for learning how to read, for learning what hot is. But mostly we're relieved he found friendship.

This is a picture of Cooper and his best friend. I've been wanting to talk about how amazing their little friendship is, but haven't known the best way.

Can you even tell the two apart?

This friend had a serious health issue about 1 year ago. In fact, this year he has spent time in the hospital, as well. So the start of their friendship actually came later on in the school year. All in all he and Coop are two peas in a pod. They love all the same things. All. They are both little brainiacs who love LEGOs. And they both unabashedly share feelings, easily cry in class, and accept just about anyone into their circle of friends. I love watching them play.

Being friends with a child who has had the medical concerns that this friend has, required us to explain some very serious topics to Cooper. Cooper has digested all the information with a lot of class and courage. Cooper has never once been bothered by any differences in this friend, nor has he asked too much about it. Whenever we're faced with explaining more about his friend's condition, Cooper just shrugs his shoulders and moves on. But each time, I see a maturity dawn in his eyes and he grows up a little bit more. You can imagine the effect this has on my own heart.

Cooper has never made a joke or talked lightly about the health of his friend to us or to his buddy. He has been open to all explanations and never said it was weird, or gross, or funny. And yet, he is able to play and play and play with his friend with a lightness of heart and soul that permits the two of them to enjoy each other without burden.

This morning our friend and his family left on an exciting adventure made possible by the Make A Wish foundation. You cannot imagine the joy this brings their family. Should you find opportunity to support or donate to this foundation, or any foundation that seeks to provide a little laughter, a little break, and a little lightheartedness -- take it!

And you know, phew! He'll enter first grade walking tall and smile with an eye toward spotting his friend, knowing he has what it takes to make friends and keep them. All thanks to the confidence born from meeting his very first friend.