Graduation

I didnt write yesterday, it was the day Jeffrey graduated from middle school into high school, but you had already gotten that post. However, today is the last day of school for Jeffrey in the safe arms of Hope Lutheran Elementary School. I attended chapel this morning and to be truthful I havent stopped crying since last night at Jeff's ceremony. However, today my reflections turned to the school and staff and how they have been to my family. Many of you who know me, know a fair amount of my life and what that has entailed in the past four years or so. And you know that my life has not been easy to say the least. However, very few if any of you know what my early years were like. Well let me tell you the bit that you have glimpsed of my life would be easy to deal with but I have a past like we all have a past and it still has its moments of haunting me. Based on that and the events of the more recent years I can with all confidence say, I have walked into the pits of hell, I have seen it, I have lived it and I have walked out of it. My brother told me not that long ago that he was questionned about this faith by some who knew us as children. They were amazed that he (we) still had a faith basis. His response? "How can I not? We as children walked with and held hands with evil and we know what it is and we know its extent. We know there is a living breathing satan who is hell bent on our destruction. It's almost as if we have no other choice."

In reflecting on this, it stood out to me today, just how far our little school has gone for me and my children. We would not be where we are if it weren't for all those loving hearts that are turned toward us. So I scurried home and wrote this for the school, I am engraving it on a plaque that they will recieve in the next day or two;

So to all the dedicated teachers (those present and those no longer with the school), staff and principal of Hope Lutheran School, I honour you:

You Stand In

When life spins me on its tail
I know not where to turn
When I feel like I’m derailed
And my kids feel much concern
You Stand In

When I cannot lead them forward
And teach God’s love and truth
When they’re lost and ignored
You show them what they’re worth
You Stand In

When Godly wisdom can’t be found
And I cannot see His light
When I see the enemy abound
And his lies obscure my sight
You Stand In

When my children’s heart are heavy
With sorrow that’s not theirs
When no one hears their plea
You offer up your prayers
You stand in

As a family, when we’re lost
When we’ve stumbled, fallen down
No matter what your cost
Your love lies all around
You stand in

Thank you for standing in for my children and guarding their hearts, minds, lives and souls.