There is a season...........

When I was growing up, it seemed my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles were invincible.  I couldn’t imagine a world where those people would change.  Yet, here I sit in 2012.  I have lost both of my uncles, one set of grandparents, and our family has shifted.  My cousins who I use to play with have families of there own now.  I watch our children play together and think of how strange it is we are the adults now.  We have taken the place of our parents, our parents have taken over the role of grandparents, ect. 

Now, my own grandparents are not doing very well.  Grandpa still gets around okay, but struggles with heart (and vitamin) problems.  He still drives, although we are starting to worry about that now.  My main concern now is my Grandmother.  My grandma and I have always been close.  When my mom and I would be in the middle of an argument when I was a teenager, she only needed to call my grandmother and I would do whatever she asked.  My sweet grandma who I love so much is having problems.  She has fallen several times, is now on oxygen, and has a great deal of trouble getting around.  When my mom called last night to tell me grandma had fallen again, I could hear the stress and worry in her voice.  It is also hard because I cannot be with her constantly.  I have the boys, a job, and I live 3 hours away.  I would bring her to my house but I know she wouldn’t come.  Her siblings are there, her friends, and the other grandchildren.  Questions are unanswered right now.  What can we do?  What does the future hold?  It is also hard because I cannot be with her constantly.  I have the boys and a job.  Pray for our family, especially my mom.  She lost her brothers and now is caring for her mom without their help.  Thank God for my cousins who live near her and are pitching in as much as they can!

In the upcoming months, I will try to remember, I am fortunate enough to have had my grandparents for as long as I have. They have not only held me but have rocked all my babies and watched them grow into boys! This I am grateful for. So I will trust in God now when things are a little harder and love them while I have them. 

I want to challenge all my friends with school age children to write a letter of appreciation to their teachers every year.  It is so easy to complain when a teacher does something we feel is unjust.  Yet, when our children get an exceptional teacher do you take a moment to give her the accolades she/he deserves?  Being a teacher is a calling.  Teachers do not get rich from doing this job.  Usually, they put more of their paycheck back into the classroom.  (Trust me, I know!)  I take a moment every year to write a thank you letter  to each of my child's teachers.  Then, I send a copy to the teacher, the principal, and the superintendent.  It doesn't have to be long or complicated!  I challenge ALL of the parents out there to do the same.  Here are mine from this year:

Logan's Teacher-

June 13, 2012

Dear Mrs. Westbrooks,

With my heartfelt thanks and feelings, I want to express my genuine gratitude for all the hard work you have done during the 2011-2012 academic year. I hope you realize how much we appreciated everything you did for Logan.  It was clear from the start you expected great things from all your students.  We appreciate the individualized instruction you gave to Logan.  He has always been a good student.  However, this is the first year I have ever seen him actually have to study.  You did not allow him to coast through the 3^rd grade!  I thank you for always challenging him and encouraging him to think more critically.  You have given a new dimension to teaching with your unique and innovative ways. 
I also appreciate how easy it was to get in touch with you and how every assignment was explained in detail so we knew what he was expected to do.  You truly made our 3^rd grade year wonderful.  You are an exceptional teacher!  Thanks for everything!

Sincerely,
Karyn Campagnone
Karyn Campagnone

CC:  Dr. Machelle Matthews(Principal) and Edmond T Heatley(Superintendent)

Joey's Teacher-

June 13, 2012

Dear Mrs. Covington,

With my heartfelt thanks and feelings, I want to express my genuine gratitude for all the hard work you have done during the 2011-2012 academic year. I hope you realize how much we appreciated everything you did for Joseph.  It was clear from the start you expected great things from all your students.  We appreciate the individualized instruction you gave to Joey.  I thank you for always challenging him and encouraging him to think more critically.  You have given a new dimension to teaching with your unique and innovative ways. 
I also appreciate how you worked with us on the ADHD issues.  You have the patience of a saint!  You truly made our Pre-K year wonderful.  You are an exceptional teacher!  Thanks for everything!

Sincerely,

Karyn Campagnone

Karyn Campagnone

CC:  Mrs. Shannon (Director)

Tyler's Teachers- 

June 13, 2012

Dear Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Robinson,

With my heartfelt thanks and feelings, I want to express my genuine gratitude for all the hard work you have done during the 2011-2012 academic year. I hope you realize how much we appreciated everything you did for Tyler.  It was clear from the start you expected great things from all your students.  We appreciate the individualized instruction you gave to Tyler.  We are sad to see leave your classroom and move on to middle school. In the three years he has been in your MOID class, we have counted ourselves blessed to have you in our lives as we take this journey with Tyler.  Thank you for your dedication to the special students in your class.   You have given a new dimension to teaching with your unique and innovative ways. 

Thank you for pushing Tyler to accomplish more and for never giving up on him.  You are exceptional teachers!  Thanks for everything!

Sincerely,

Karyn Campagnone

Karyn Campagnone

CC:  Dr. Machelle Matthews(Principal) and Edmond T Heatley(Superintendent)