To YOU…

No one fights harder or loves harder than a pair of sibs.

bestoflife.com

As I think about the school year coming to a close for many children, I have been reflecting on a few thoughts. First, what my “end of school” years were like. The picture and quote today pretty much sums this one up well. Summers were filled with family, the lake, the beach, very rarely much else. It was a time for a big deep breath, at least for a month or two. Second, I have been thinking about all the students, parents, teachers, and all those in between, who don’t really ever get “off.”

Today, I would like to tell you that I am grateful for you, you are of great importance, and you are valued! So here’s to you:

To the child who struggles with school assignments, you may not learn the way others learn, but there is a way you can learn, do not get discouraged, ask questions. Questions will further your learning. And by the way, you made it through another school year, celebrate!

To the child who has chronic illness, I know the struggle of going to school day after day, the stress of not missing days, but the only thing that will keep you well is to speak up and be honest. Whether your diagnosis is visible or not, you deserve to have your voice heard when you are not feeling well. Your voice will encourage others, set the example!

To the child that doesn’t struggle in school, I congratulate you also for completing another year!

To the child who is struggling to know who they are, feeling peer pressure, or feel invisible, you are the only you there will ever be! Please don’t rob the world of not knowing you, we need you! We need every little detail of you!

To the child who is uncertain of the circumstances that they will face when arriving at home, whether it be chaotic, unsafe, or lack of food or shelter, I am broken for each of you. Never be afraid to ask for help, or reach out to a safe adult in your life!

To the siblings of a brother or sister who struggles in school, has special needs, you have an incredible role to play in your sibling’s life! Walk alongside them. Make them laugh, the best medicine!

To siblings that both struggle, allow this to draw your relationship closer. This is my testimony! “In the hardest things, HE does the kindest things.” This is said around our house a lot, because it is so true! Support, encourage, laugh, be silly! I guarantee you that you will be blessed 10 times over!

To the parent (grandparent, aunt, uncle) who is relieved this school year is over, but are resisting the temptation of the hovering cloud of the coming school year, to interfere with the celebration the end of this school year. I have watched this in my own parents and grandparents. You are close to my heart, and I am praying specifically that you will be able to resist this temptation, and celebrate with your child, the completion of another school year!

To the parent (grandparent, aunt, uncle) who is figuring out how the transition from school routine to summer home routine needs to go, and hoping for the best, but knowing its not going to be easy. Know that you are known and loved. Praying for an increase in patience and wisdom as you love your child.

To the parent (grandparent, aunt, uncle) whose “school” never ends, because your child’s school is a team of therapists, doctors, and specialists. Your child’s school is important, as much if not more as any other school! If I could give you a standing ovation on this post- I would! My heart, mind, and soul are truly with you!

To the parent (grandparent, aunt, uncle) who “homeschool” their child, if you do school anything like my family did, learning doesn’t have boundaries. The story of a restaurant on a menu was an opportunity for learning. Brochures are always a learning moment. I commend you for creativity! How about we make homeschool about endless learning fun!

To the teachers and assistants who pour their everything into their classrooms each year. Paying attention to each students needs. You are the reason that kids like me survive school! I cannot thank you enough!

To the teachers and assistants who are always thinking about new ways to teach, educate, help the minds of their students soak up what is needful for that year. Your attention to detail does not go unnoticed!

To the principals who love their job, so much so that the children in their schools, they protect and advocate for like their own children. Your impact will be influential for generations!

To the art, music, drama, PE teachers, they say you are the “extra” teachers. I say you are the essential teachers, because these children need creative outlets! You give them the opportunity to do what kids are supposed to do, have energy, explore, imagine, get messy, play! No matter what anyone says, you are ESSENTIAL to these children!

To the nurse whose welcoming face is what greets “that kid” when they come to your office. When you are “that kid” that goes to get medicine everyday, a kind and smiling face most certainly makes being “that kid” not so bad at all. I had a few of these when I was in school, I will never forget them or the way they made me feel like I was the only kid in the whole school- they cared. Thank you for caring!

To the nurse that shows up everyday so that a child is able to be at school, otherwise they are unable to attend school. Many don’t know how essential you are, but those of us who do, beyond grateful for you!

To the security and maintenance crews, who do the many unseen and least acknowledged work on school grounds, your influence on the students that see you doing the often “thankless” jobs, will have a ripple effect on their lives and those around them! I really don’t know how to thank you enough! You keep our children safe and healthy! And your jobs aren’t getting any easier. Thank you x 1,000,000,000!

To the after school caretakers, the extracurricular teachers, instructors, coaches, you all are shaping the confidence of children. What they like to do, what interests them, how they are valued and seen. This can make or break a child. Thank you to those who fill these jobs for the sake of the children, your influence, your encouragement will impact their whole life!

To everyone, everyday is a reason to celebrate! Take time to take some deep breaths- seriously! Get some sleep, let your children sleep in for a couple of days. Allow yourself to sleep in too! We can all do a better job at getting enough sleep- it’s a natural immune booster!

Meanwhile, I don’t say “I am praying,” just to say it, I mean it! To the child, sibling, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, assistant, principal, nurse, security, maintenance, I am thanking my Heavenly Father for each of you! I pray that you will be encouraged and know you are valued, loved, seen, heard, and fully known by HIM! You have survived another school year, another day, another hour, another minute, to that I say: It’s somebody’s birthday somewhere, let’s eat cake!

Life Book of the week: Mr. Lincoln’s Way, by Patricia Polacco