Dear Dominic:
This was your first week of school, but I’m the one who learned a lesson.
When we were shopping for last-minute school supplies, I gave you a little bit of a hard time when you wanted a pink binder. I said, “You are going to a new school. Are you sure you want to call attention to yourself and be the kid with the pink binder?”
You put me in my place — rightfully so. You said, “It’s just a color, and I like it. If the other kids don’t like it, that’s their problem.”
You are so right. You are wise beyond your 11 years. I was wrong. I apologize.
My knee-jerk reaction was a leftover of my childhood days where we did what we needed to do to fit in so that we would not be a target for bullies. Pink was for girls then. That I didn’t like Barbies was my own dirty little secret.
Your father and I have raised you to be an individual, to be inclusive, to be kind to others, to like what you like and not be ashamed of it.
We’ve clearly taught you well.
I’m sorry I forgot those lessons for a beat.
I’m so proud of you.
Love,
Mama
Observe and report 
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