Dear Max

Last week we got to experience your first birthday ring at school, and it’s a good thing I wasn’t wearing eye makeup because even the waterproof type would have left tracks on my face after all my crying.

It was wonderful witnessing you in your ‘hood, among your friends and teachers, and to see what actually happens at school. I mean, I know you don’t sit on jungle gyms the whole day, but I didn’t know that on your birthday, you get drawings from your classmates, sing a few songs, and practise your numbers by counting the number of boys and girls in the class.

And I didn’t know how fully engaged and participative you are. From the little I’ve seen, I thought that you were on the periphery of class activities and participation, but you showed me how little I know. At your ring, you danced, sang, answered questions, wiggled and waved.

And there was a warmth and perfect simplicity and wholesomeness about this little celebration. It made me proud and happy. And relieved to know that you’re just where you should be.

We finished off with chocolate cake that I had brought in. You ate half your piece, and in true Max habit, gave me the rest. And like a true Jewish mom, I fulfilled the credo of “Waste not, want not” by polishing it off.

Happy fourth year dude!

xMom

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