Dear Grace,

You may not want to admit it,

But I know you're scared

To be carted off to that tiny school way out there

Away from your mom and your bug-loving best friend,

Remember, this is a beginning, not end,

So approach second grade with all the vigor and zeal

Of a starving man given his first Happy Meal,

Remember your manners, and always be true,

You're meant for great things,

Sincerely,

You.

 

Dear Grace,

Okay,

You thought algebra was rough?

Just wait until next year

(But you'll make it, you're tough)

You'll make it so well you'll have options you know,

Soon you'll have to decide once again where to go.

Don't be discouraged by the 5 AM bus,

Don't be intimidated when the older kids cuss,

Just walk right up to those big glass doors and push through,

You're a dolphin with dreams,

Sincerely,

You.

 

Dear Grace,

You've smiled and cried and all things in between

But this corner of the world is all that you've seen,

Pack your bags for Alabama, by car or by plane,

After that, who knows? California? Or Spain?

I'm done writing letters, our timeline's caught up -

I hate to end this series in manner abrupt,

It's not meant to be a summary, simply a reminder

That balance is key, and you can always be kinder,

So remember your Spanish, and stay leal para ti,

Your great things are waiting,

Sincerely,

Me.