How to Acknowledge A Big Accomplishment

Today as I spoke to a National Sport Academy staff member regarding my son's selection to the AAA Bantam hockey team, he offered his glad congratulations and asked "So, did you get him a card?"

I'm not one who has ever been good at remembering special days and even worse at sending a card, so this thought had not crossed my mind. But, I thought, it's a great idea. A card to commemorate external recognition: making the cut. The culmination of all the years of time and effort invested in learning to become the best hockey player/goaltender he can be at age 13. A way to express to him how incredibly grateful we are for his ability to continually amaze us with his gifts, talents and athletic prowess. A written expression of how proud we are of him.

I zipped over to the mall after we dropped him off at practice (he always wants to arrive an hour early so that he can anchor a spot in the dressing room that accommodates his oversized equipment bag). I found a book vendor's display in the atrium. I began to look for Dr. Suess' O The Places You'll Go (1) thinking it might be appropriate, but instead came across Karen Kingsbury's Let Me Hold You Longer.

I nearly cried, it was so perfect (for me). If you click on the link, read Karen's comments and download a chapter. I think you'll want your own copy. I think I may get enough to give to every baby shower for a boy baby from now on. :-)

I wrote a glowing personal inscription to my boy on the inside cover and gave him the book after practice. He had me read it to him before bed as I rubbed his back.

Will that be his last bedtime story? I hope not.

Go hug your kid! I did.

(He hugged back)



(1) A great graduation gift
- read the poem here
- play the game here