Love What Matters

Today I'm grateful for my high school friend David,

who texted me to tell me that the ukulele was

being celebrated on this morning's Google Doodle.

A quick text, just a couple of words, but huge serendipity in how

profoundly his thoughtfulness truly connects to me right now.

You see, the reason I even play the ukulele is because back in 2015, at about this time, I was asked to stay after a faculty meeting and told that I'd be transferring to the school next door along with my third graders who would now be attending Bales rather than Westwood. While searching for something novel for them, I stumbled on the uke, said yes to a grass skirt from my friend Annie, and the rest is history. 

I enjoyed three glorious years of time with the superheroes in the class of 2025, and experienced a whole lot of connection and growth. 

During that bonus time, I learned to love what is.

So yesterday, those learners came back, to walk the halls of both Westwood, where they mastered grades K-2, and then Bales, 

where they bloomed with me in grades 3-5.

It happened so fast, the walk. 

Two minutes of bliss.

A feeling that lasted all. day. long.

And when it was over, the kids congregated in this front foyer,

where I used to sit to strum them into greatness . . .  

and they reminisced. Most laughed. A few cried.

They all reflected. And they didn't want to leave.

Neither did I. 😔

Here now, a gallery filled with memories, hope, joy and love.

Not goodbye, but so long for now.

Make us proud, sweet superheroes.

Always love what matters

and show your true colors

as you soar into your encore.

Fly to new heights,

connect with confidence,

and never forget: 

Once a Mustang, always a Mustang.

We love you; congratulations!