Kellie created an environment so Tyler would learn his world was safe and nurturing. Although, she had worked part-time on and off for short periods of time, she was a full-time mother to Tyler. He was her world, and she was his. She provided him with many fun experiences to promote his social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth and well-being. She was patient, nurturing, loving, and very attentive to his wants and needs. She made sure Tyler ate healthy meals, played inside and out, went to the pediatrician on his scheduled visits and was consistent with discipline. She encouraged him to "use his words" to communicate effectively. She had him on a very good daily schedule. For example, when I would come home from work, I would play with Tyler usually outside. After dinner, the three of us would do puzzles, read books, draw pictures, and play preschool games on the laptop until 7:30. Then, one of us would give him a bath. Then, every night Kellie brushed and flossed his teeth. (Kellie had beautiful teeth. She never had one cavity. Until she was in Middle School, we brushed our teeth together every night.) Then, Tyler would pick out two bedtime books for Kellie to read to him. It's all those experiences that provided Tyler with a solid foundation for life. She supported his natural curiosity and taught him morals and values such as: she taught him it was ok to make a mistake - you do your best to fix it - and you learn from it, to share, to use manners, play fair, it's ok to ask questions, to be kind to others and things, don't take things that arent yours, say you're sorry when you hurt someone, it's ok to ask for help, don't put toys in the toilet, watch out for traffic, use a napkin, and remember to hold hands. She encouraged him so he would learn to be confident. She praised him so he would learn to appreciate. She taught him about acceptance, love, honesty and truthfulness. She modeled how to have compassion for others. She wanted him to know that he is good enough, smart enough, fast enough, strong enough and worthy enough to live a healthy and successful life. When Tyler did go to preschool, she wanted him to know that his self worth was not contingent on how others treated him. She wanted him to know that he is special and has his own unique gifts. Most importantly she taught him about LOVE!