In The Blink Of An Eye

Tonight as we're addressing the envelopes for Joshua's graduation announcements, I can't help but wonder:

How did we go from this ... 

to this, so quickly?

In the blink of an eye.

Like overnight.

Or so it seems.

Actually, it was lots of blinks

and a few sleepless nights,

many fervent prayers

and a whole lot of forgiveness and grace.

And as we head into another last,

our last FISD Teacher Appreciation Week, 

here's what's on my heart and mind.

To all of Joshua's teachers, thank you.

Thank you for celebrating Joshua for who he is

while gently nudging him to reach higher and be better.

Thank you for finding ways to

productively channel his enthusiasm and energy,

his inquisitive and stubborn curiosity,

and his passionate pursuit of creative problem-solving.

Thank you for being firm yet fair.

Thank you for trying to help him understand

that mistakes are just opportunities for growth

even as his perfectionism threatens to paralyze him.

Thank you for ignoring some of the small stuff

while holding him accountable for the stuff that matters.

Thank you for not letting him get by with less than his best.

Thank you for laughing with him in the good times,

and for holding his heart when he was hurting.

Thank you for preparing him for the future

with those all-important soft success skills.

Thank you for always going that extra mile for him

and for loving him unconditionally.

And above all, thank you for embracing Joshua 

and for helping him find joy in the journey.

We appreciate you, more than you'll ever know.