I sent my son off to preschool last year with very little expectation aside from the hope that as a young 3 yr. old he wouldn’t poop in the middle of circle time, or commit some equally horrific toddler social misstep. When he not only loved his class and his teacher and starting soaking up wild amounts of learning, I was tickled. This was going really well; who would have figured?
And then it happened. One day my little guy started talking endlessly about his new friend Cole. He told me he loved Cole and asked if he could come over for a playdate. They giggled together in class and when I saw them walking up the stairs together, holding hands, at the end of the day, my heart caved in from the cuteness.
To be honest, it was more than just the sweetness; gratitude filled me. You see, as a first time mom, I didn’t know how the friend thing worked. Was I supposed to put out an ad in the preschool newsletter? Should I sequester fellow moms at the playground? What was the procedure?
As it turns out, kids just find friends on their own. For us, this has been one of the things that goes over so much better if Mommy just takes a backseat and lets the young ones lead the show. As with most things, they do a better job.
But when Cole first set his sights on my dude, I swooned. We had a friend! This was real. And it was so fun. He quickly became part of our life and hasn’t left since. We just did the boys’ first sleepover, the grandparents love him, he takes his turn praying before meals at our table, Cole’s brothers all know our home, his mom is one of my very best friends, and he has his own car seat in our van.
Such a crappy photo, but I love that Cole was supposed to be graduating preschool yet my daughter wouldn’t stop flirting with him.
Most over is the way Cole has always loved on my daughter. He is her best friend too. While it may be a bit unnerving to leave some preschool boys around a 1 yr. old baby girl, I never once felt concerned with Cole. He has always been kind to her–kinder than her blood brother, truth told–and just accepted that she was part of the package that came with having my son as a friend.
Since he first came into our lives, we have been blessed with so many other wonderful friends and delighted in growing those friendships too, but we remain so thankful for Cole, who taught us how to have and be a friend.
They play together
They nap together
They recover from a sleepover together
Next year he and my son will separate to different Kindergartens, and who knows what the future holds, but I do know as far as friends go, Cole was the first–and for now, is definitely the best.
We love you, Cole!
And here’s to a whole summer of fun awaiting!
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Lisa R. Petty says
I will be sending my son to college next year, but I still remember his very first day of pre-school like it was yesterday. The tears still flow when I think of it.
Meredith says
Such sweet precious memories, right, Lisa? 🙂
Lisa R. Petty says
Yep. They were tears of joy. Then, I danced, and sang, “I will finally $%^&ing go to the bathroom alone!!!”
: )
Meredith says
What a beautiful, beautiful song, Lisa 😉
Ter says
Sweetest. Pics. EVER. So glad your son has a friend and that friend also enjoys hanging out with your little one!
Meredith says
A blessing to all of us for sure!
Chris Carter says
AW!!! What a darling boy! I’m grateful that Cole played such a wonderful role as friend to BOTH of your little ones!! First friends are never forgotten.
Meredith says
You are so right, Chris–we will never, ever forget our Cole!
femmefrugality says
Oh, you made me love Cole, too! What a sweet kid!
I totally wasn’t worried about pooping in the middle of circle time, by the way. But now I am. Thanks. :p
Meredith says
Anything I can do to build the hysteria 😉 xo, Femme!
Ashey @ 3 Little Greenwoods says
Your little guy will always remember his first best buddy! It’s so wonderful you snapped such great picutres to remember their friendship.
Happy Summertime!
~ Ashley
Meredith says
Can’t take pictures of house stuff to save my life, Ashley, but yes–whew! At least I have a few of the kids 🙂
Jenn @ Something Clever 2.0 says
Every kid should have a Cole. Heck, every adult should, too.
Meredith says
Amen! I want a Cole!
Danielle says
I had the absolute pleasure of watching this friendship blossom and grow. These two are like peas in a pod – I love that their friendship has grown and they are still laughing together!!
Meredith says
You were there from the beginning, Mrs. Civitella! We love you and thanks for bringing all your love and instruction into their first classroom!
Jen Hinrichsen says
Cole loves all of you too and we are so thankful for your friendship as well. It is so heartwarming to see our boys discovering themselves and growing together. Much love Spidels!
Meredith says
We love the Hinrichsens!!
Bethany Thies says
I love that people find each other and love each other. This was such a heartwarming post.