I Recommend

I thought I had read every Dr. Seuss story out there. Then Cooper received a book from his book-giving aunt upon his 5th birthday. This is a big birthday in our home and the first one that our kids get to have a real, full blown, all the bells and whistles, send out the invitations, etc. birthday party. We had a great time at Cooper's bike themed party "Trick My Trike!" We did a five year old take on Pimp My Ride or Trick My Truck - depending on what channel you watch. Fun times!! And did I mention turning five means Kindergarten in the Fall, then high school, college, a mission and WHOA!! Okay, back to Dr. Seuss. This story was new for me and when I opened it for the first time to read it to Cooper, there was the inscription from his aunt, "Dear Cooper, How exciting to be five. You will get to go on lots of new adventures! We love you lots." Those words struck a deep cord and then I began to read. Here is how it begins:

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to great places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

The story goes on and on about living life and the ups and downs and conquering "Goliaths" all in the most delightful Dr. Seuss style. And here is the ending:

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So. . .
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So. . . get on your way!

Cooper loved the story! I did too! We read it often and each time I do I remind myself this promise: That each of my children will have their own copy of this story with an inscription from mom tucked in their suitcase when they are off to their own GREAT PLACES!!