This post is dedicated to the people who were a tremendous part of my village, this school season. Thank you, Empower team. You've blessed our family so, so well.
He always laughed at me, in a sweet way, before pulling me into a warm embrace and saying, "You do this every year, baby." This year is no exception. I've been an emotional mess all morning. The only difference is...he's not here to pull me into his loving embrace.
My emotional state is comprised of sheer gratitude to the one man and many women whom have helped me to raise Ella and Jacob, this past year. I'm always so very appreciative of the teachers whom have come into our lives. But you guys...I can't even finish the sentence without shaky hands and tears of gratitude. So much gratitude.
We got sick at the beginning of the school year, last August. You all were there for my babies as we were being hospitalized. I have no idea what that time looked like for my kids but I do know that you all were there with sympathetic and understanding hearts. And then, we lost him, and my children were given so much time to grieve and heal and just be quiet for as long as they needed. I can't thank our principal, enough, for giving our family that time to process.
Some of you have shared the most precious words and prayers with us. You've sent cards to the kids specifically. One of you sent flowers for Veteran's Day to honor our favorite Veteran despite the fact that he was no longer with us. Some of you have come to our home just to offer a hug, encouragement, and food. Prayers, condolences, emails...so much love. My babies are quiet, by nature, and have had a difficult time expressing their gratitude, but you all have touched their hearts so completely. They are never going to forget the love and kindness bestowed upon them by each of you.
This has, inexplicably, been the toughest year of our family's life. I truly cannot imagine having made it through this school year without you all. Despite all that they have endured, early on in the school year, Ella and Jacob have thrived academically. It's the love and dedication that you all have shown to not just my two children, but to all of your students, that have made for such a successful school year. Some of you have gone far above and beyond your job descriptions. You all are absolute superheroes!!!
I thank you, with every bit of my Mama heart, for helping me to raise Ella and Jacob. You each were a blessing and a God-send to our family. I pray many blessings upon you, just as you've been a blessing to us.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you; remembering you in my prayers.
-Ephesians 1:16
Relishing in His goodness...
Christy
