I can barely remember my first day at school. I can recall various times of playing in the play ground, taking naps, and always being the shyest in the class. I can remember being so scared to ride the small bus vans they would hold the bus just for me and get my mother on the telephone to assure me everything was alright, hearing her say “get on the bus Erik!” I can remember sitting on Santa Clause’s lap in pre-school and wetting my pants. I can remember having a crush on my Kindergarten Teacher. It’s amazing to look back and remember the images, feelings, and events I had experienced.

Today was my son’s first day of school in pre-school. It was a beautiful day in Irvine with clear blue skies, fall leaves, and a cool breeze. Here comes Elliot from spending a morning in the classroom. Unlike me, Elliot was strong and looking forward to playing with the other kids. He is so brave and I love his outgoing spirit. Elliot already shows amazing signs of strength. It’s the day before Thanksgiving and Elliot left the school with a Thanksgiving Card with a turkey pasted on the front. Using finger paint, Elliot was able to paint with his fingers the feathers on the turkey. It’s a card we’ll always keep safe. Walking out from the classroom, he carries his Spiderman backpack snugged to his shoulders.

At times Elliot can curl up like a ball and find security in his yellow blanket and other times he’s trying to climb the highest rock. Elliot is discovering new sights, new feelings, new images, new people around him, and learning new things about himself. I find it amazing to watch Elliot grow, and I’m so blessed and thankful to have him as a son.

Elliot can bring light to any dark room and make another smile with his laughter and play. Elliot is truly a child of God with love, innocence, and tenderness. Vulnerable to a big world, I pray the Lord will protect him and keep him healthy in all his days, guiding him through the valleys with strength and wisdom. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” As a father, I pray the Lord will continue to give me the wisdom and courage to raise Elliot in a home of unconditional love, selflessness, and giving, teaching life’s basic lessons daily.

I love you, Elliot.

Daddy