Pink Giraffe Musing

To the teachers and staff of Still Elementary, who have loved my family so well: I want to thank you.  I really want to more than thank you.  I want to hold a banquet in your honor.   I want to do something spectacular.  But, all I have for you are these words, a hug, and some flowers from my son tomorrow as he walks the halls of Still…..one last time. We started our journey at Still Elementary in 2008, when my daughter began 1st grade.  Sadly, it will end tomorrow when my son finishes 5th grade.  The past 7 years of teaching, learning, creating, and growing are something to celebrate indeed.  The investment of your time and talents into the hearts and minds of my children is definitely praiseworthy.  But, for me and my family, you have done so much more.  You have loved us and held us through some hard days.  You have cared for us far beyond the duty of any educator.  You have prayed for us in our darkest hours, and during the days that followed.  You have been steadfast

9 months and 11 days.  The number of days between the death of my husband and then my father.  The number of days between the loss of the two most important men in my world.  The number of days between two events that robbed my children of their father and grandfather.  The number of days between having our hearts shattered not once, but twice. It has been 2 years and some months since my father passed away, and 3 years now for Michael.  After that time I can see, that while we can be happy, it is going to color everything.  Forever.  You don't get better.  You heal in lots of ways, you move forward, but it's there.  And it gets your when you least expect it. I miss my dad.  He was quiet and we didn't talk a lot.  He loved by doing.  I look am my house and there are just things that need to be done.  He would do them when he came to visit.  He always had a creative solution to the little odds and ends that needed repairs.  There were always little chores, the on