Dear Reece

Yesterday was a special day for me, it was your last day as a four year old. We started the day with our normal rhythm...breakfast, clean up, morning circle and then I changed it up a bit. Instead of heading into the woods across the road for a nature walk, we loaded ourselves into the car and hit the trails from my childhood, the ones I used to run, ride and play on. I am not sure why I felt a pull to go there, but I felt it and we went.

And I am so happy we did. I felt so at home there with you. Connected to the place, to nature and to you, my little man. I watched as you ran down the trails, a sparkle in your eye and the biggest smile on your face. I witnessed you stop and fox walk towards two squirrels, one black, the other grey. You got down low and crept so quietly towards them, hoping to get as close as you could. I sat in silence on the rocks as you played by the water, just watching you, pinning it to my memory and savouring the moment.

There really are no words to fully explain how you have changed my world. You have taught me so much about myself, about being a mother and about being a better person. I am honoured to walk your path with you, to guide you, to help you, to hold your hand, to laugh with you, to cry with you and to love you, unconditionally.

As we celebrate today, I won't look back with regret at how fast the time has gone, instead I offer gratitude to you. For it is you who brought slow and mindful into my days. It is you who fills my days with love and laughter. It is you who can bring a smile to my face at the end of a rough day. It is you who makes mothering the most amazing journey I have ever taken.

You are an amazing little man and I am so very proud and honoured to be your mom.

I love you.