You can't take away their spirit

Today was my sons 5th grade graduation ceremony, an event that was truly a blessing. 

At first it was to be virtual. We would watch a screen silently as our children processed across the stage. Parents urged our school board and administrative staff, we banded together and swarmed inboxes to advocate for #normalcy  #ceremony and #celebration worthy of this monumentious occasion. And WE won!!!! 5 days before the event they announced the decision had been changed and this years moving up ceremony WOULD take place in person! Outside!!

That decision was honored and rejoiced with the most perfect weather day for these little Carolinons 🥰   My correction, these young people embarking on a whole new realm know as middle school 😳. 

> tell me, is there anyone that has anything nice to say about middle school? 

Anyway, the parents are listening to the principle thank staff member and the PTA for all of their efforts, which, lets be honest, the teacher this year each deserve a badge of honor! Pivoting and enforcing requirements for social distancing. Telling children that they can not go near their friends, that they have to wear a mask at all times and move in staggered timing to prevent traffic in the halls. My heart goes to then 💕 telling children to dim their glow, to not be free, to not be children 💔 .  But the kids  complied and for the most part were happy.  Happy to just be inside the school because managing this crisis alone, without their peers, without their community … that was to hard to bear. We learned that lesson during virtual school March-June 2020. 

See, there is something magical that happens when you bring people together. Something that masks and regulations can never force down. Something more than comfort, You give hope. 

Hope it what I heard spoken during the teachers speech’s. Hope for tomorrow.  These children, despite the challenges they faced, were kind, helpful, a good friend, quiet-in a good way, funny, sporty, a good listener, creative, talkative-in a good way… they were ever much themselves. 

In spite of the challenge they faced this year, their spirits were unchanged. Their personalities emerged, were nourished and supported. 

For this, I see the love. 

For this, I am forever grateful to everyone at @carolinestreetelementary 

For this is our #hope 

Congratulations to all thee 2021 graduates. You have a big world out there waiting for you.