Matthew's Sixth Year

January 22,2007
Dear Matthew,

          I can't believe another year has passed and you are getting older and growing taller. As the year began, we went to Grandma's and Grandpa's to celebrate Christmas and New Year's and your birthday. You were turning five and still in Mrs. Quinn's class. For some reason, I had a feeling that the year was going to zoom by. You received money, a bond, and toys from your grandparents. Your grandmother has this thing about buying clothes that are too big. Three days after your birthday, our complex had a major fire. All the residents of the Midrise had to be relocated. At the time, it was estimated that the midrise would be redone in 12-18 months.

         Valentine's Day brought more candy and cards both from you to your classmates and to you from them. You had some girlfriends. One of them that I remember was Annabelle. I could tell that you wanted to go more than two days a week. At the time, that was all the state could afford in their budget.

          St. Patrick's Day brought you to your first Leprechaun Run. You ran a mile and wanted to run more. You received a medal for your efforts and that made you very happy. I was very proud of you.

          Easter saw you at your first egg hunt. Daddy took you to the park and you were told how the hunt works. You did not get as many eggs and candy and prizes that you expected. There were a bunch of eggs strewn on the ground and you just walked right past them and did not pick them up. If you had, who knows what you would have gotten.

          My birthday is in April. We went to Zehnder's for dinner. You and Dad got me a some nightshirts. I've worn one of them already, but yet to wear the other. Getting older has to stop. The worst thing that happened was that Bill Hull, one of my best friends, died suddenly on my birthday. We were gone and I did not find out until the next day. He chose to be cremated and the memorial service was set for May 5. That was a hard month for me.

          The school year was fast coming to its conclusion. This would be your final farewwell to Arrowwood Elementary School. Daddy and I had to attend a "Kindergarten Round-Up". This was all new to us. We already knew where you would be going-Plainfield Elementary School. We just needed to know all the ins and outs. You seemed nonchalant about the whole matter. The one thing I worried about was you losing the friends you already made. Graduation came and you received some certificates for good attendance. I would love for you to keep that up.

          Dad and you started delivering phone books. This gave Shadow and I girl time. The one thing I have noticed about your relationship with Shadow is that she is becoming more accepting of you. The three of you went camping for four days and I thought I'd have a great time alone. It was a good thing that Shadow went with you. During the trip, there was an animal that tried to enter the tent during the night. Shadow woke Dad up. By the time he went outside, the animal was climbing a tree and getting away. At daybreak, the bread bag and other plastic items were ripped and the tent torn. After some discussiion, it was decided that the animal was probably a raccoon. The computer decided not to work and I couldn't do the writing I wanted.

          This year, you started T-Ball. There was no acore taken. You really enjoyed it. It gave you more of an opportunity to meet and make new friends. The biggest sport news of the summer was that the Detroit Tigers made it to the World Series. Unfortunately, they didn't win, but they were there.

          This year, you started school on September 5. Usually school would begin before Labor Day, but it was different this year. A new school, new friends, and a new teacher. I was wondering how you would handle the situation. Much to my happiness, you handled the changes with dignity and perseverence. You adapt well. I like that.

          In kindergarten, your teacher's name is Karen Sessler. You have some girlfriends. Their names are Sophia, Kaylie, Gabby, and Naveet. The male friends are: Nathan, Craig, Tyler, Immanuel, Chad and Anthony. You have homework. You have to read for twenty minutes every night. You have a letter for the week that is investigated. You trace the letter and draw a picture of something that begins with the letter. The class also has popcorn words. You bring home one or two words a week in your homework folder. You have to compose two sentences containing those word . You're learning Spanish, Art, Gym, Computers, Music, and Math, and English. There is a lot more that you are doing compared to what I did at your age.

          Halloween was something you looked forward to. You went to my best friend, Laurie's, to go trick-or-treating. You made out like a bandit. Laurie has a Dalmation named Daisy. Your costume was that of a firefighter. You looked very cute with her standing there.

          Thanksgiving was quiet. We watched the parade and watched DVD's. We don't like football. As par for the course, Shadow partook in the meal. We all spoiled her. Now that the weather is colder and the days are shorter; they seem to go by faster.

          Christmas was again the same as previous years. There were a few things that you wanted and I obliged. We got you a Rose Art Creativity Easel and a deluxe Art Supply Kit. You want to write more. You also wanted the Crayola Cutter and Hot Wheels cars and monster trucks. There was one tanker truck that you wanted from Tractor Supply Company. Dad got that for you.

          The weather has been unseasonably warm. There has been little or no snow. That may not be good. We may get slammed at a later date. This has been a whirlwind year for you. Keep learning, stay in school, and make more memories.


Love,'
Mom