Today, when I picked you up from preschool, you were excited to show me two neatly wrapped holiday gifts. You explained that one was for you, and one was for me. Your teachers had made something for you, and put it in a neat little bag. You told me that you were the one that made my gift.
We worked our way through the cold wind, and to the car. It was already getting dark, and the wind had picked up. I told you I was ready for winter to be over, and you agreed. We had some errands to run, and we stopped at the store. You waited patiently while I returned a few things that I had purchased a few days before.
It was finally time to head home, and you were glad. You wanted pizza for dinner, and I told you that would be okay. Then you said, "Dad, I can't wait for you to open your present." I told you that I was excited, too. Then I asked, "Do you want me to open my present now, or do you want me to put it under the tree?" You said, "I think you should put it under the tree."
Then, just teasing you, I asked, "So, when we get home do you want to open your present now or do you want to put it under the tree, too?" I was pretty sure I knew how you were going to answer that one! But, you surprised me. Then you said, "I want to put mine under the tree, too."
I was not expecting you to want to wait to open a present, so I asked you why you wanted to wait. And the next thing you remarked was so sweet....
"Well, we need to put our presents under the tree so that Santa will know that we already have two presents. That way, he can make sure all the kids get enough."
You're my four year old little boy who is already developing empathy and care for those who have less than you. It's another reason why you're my son, and my hero.
Love,
Dad
