Dear Cameron, on New Beginnings

Dear Cameron,

I realise it’s almost hard to believe, looking at you now but, once upon a time, not so long ago, you were the shy kid. Yep, really. The hide-behind-mom’s-skirt type, who very seldom answered a question posed by anyone other than someone you already knew.

You inherited your shyness from both your parents. Both of us are chronically shy and cover it up in different ways. I was hugely shy at your age. Horribly insecure and constantly nervous. I reckoned, as you grew, that you were just like me. That both scared me and comforted me simultaneously. I had readied myself for the “your child really needs to feel secure at all times” school reports. I’ve been accustomed to the cling, and was mentally prepared for teacher’s probing as to why you clammed up so easily. That’s not the case any more.

It’s sometimes hard for me to believe that that same kid is in fact you. You. You who, without a second thought to me today, ran off to play at your new school. You who had made friends within thirty seconds flat, and who quite happily settled herself into her new classroom, without so much as a backwards glance in my direction.

It used to be that if an adult asked you your name, I’d have to answer, and fill in with a “she’s really quite shy”. Nowadays, you’re telling your new teacher who you are all on your own, with pride and confidence. You’re zooming off to play with other children, and you’re inviting yourself into the lives of people around you.

It used to take you exactly 42 minutes before you would even greet someone new who we met, or one of mommy’s friends. That time is well over.

Best of all, you’ve become a brilliant judge of character, knowing exactly who you like, immediately. It’s funny really, because you and I like the same kind of people.

I’ve watched you emerge from your shell. I know it’s because of the love you are surrounded with. Your school has given you so much love, your teachers have encouraged you in every way, and your family have celebrated every single success with you. Moreover, I know it’s the result of our life together opening up to more people around us, and you and I both know exactly who to thank for that. *insert our secret handshake and wink*

I’m proud of you, my Cam. Of all the things I have done with this life thus far, it’s you that makes me well up with pride.

Well done, my little nunu. Onto new beginnings, and I know in my heart, you’re stepping forward with a smile on your face and a strong spirit.

Thank you, again, for choosing me to be your mama.

Love,

Mama.