Dear William,

Tonight I said goodnight to my sweet 3 year old for the last time.  When tomorrow arrives, you will be 4.  You are eagerly awaiting dawn.  I am not.  I want to hold on for as long as I can.

You are growing so quickly.  Each day I am astounded by the things you say and do.  You are rough and tough, yet compassionate and concerned.  You are the first to wake up each morning and you always exclaim that you’re “ready to start the day!” and you take that task very seriously, conquering each moment with gusto.  You are full of energy and full of life.  You spend a good part of your day asking “why”, trying to satisfy your curiosity.  You are an eager learner and a devoted helper.  You inspire me with each passionate moment.

At the end of each day, your head hits the pillow and your eyes struggle to stay open…you are exhausted from the energy used all day.  I snuggle with you each night until you fall asleep.  Just last night you wrapped your arms tightly around my neck and whispered, “Oh Mommy, I just want to be loved.”  My dear, you are loved.  You are loved and you are cherished.  Goodnight my sweet 3 year old…tomorrow I, too, will be ready to start the day…the day we celebrate you, my growing, vibrant 4 year old.

Love, Mommy