Dear Trevan,

I just want you to know how proud of you I was today. Really, it was a very simple thing, but I was so proud of you!

At your swim lesson today, I looked over and saw what your teacher was asking you to do, and I'm going to be honest, I thought you weren't even going to try. I could tell you were pretty nervous, but you totally did it! Over and over! I was seriously so proud of you! All through your swim lesson today, you kept trying new things. You might not have totally gotten it right, but you totally tried, and that totally made me happy to see you just try your best.

I can't even explain how it feels to watch your child be willing to try something new, even if it's kind of scary. I saw a new side of you today, and I was so proud of you! Could I say it any more times?

Trevan, that's just the thing. You don't have to be the best at (or even like) swimming, sports, music, math, or whatever it is that you participate in in life. I just want to see you try your best at whatever it is that you do. You did that today, and I watched you grow up a little bit in those 45 minutes.

I loved seeing the confidence on your face, which came by knowing you overcame a fear, and you knowing that you tried your best. Trying your best will always make you feel good. We grow when we push ourselves. It won't always be easy, but knowing you gave something your all is a very satisfying feeling.

I loved watching you give swimming your all today. I'm glad you couldn't hear me laughing at you as you swam (kicked and stroked), but didn't go anywhere. It was so cute, and you were trying so hard! Let's just say it took you a while to get across the pool.

Good job Trevan!

High five and a hug!

Love you, Mom