The best part of the day...

It was over. The team had said their final word. The director and the principal had taken many notes while I just sat there, listening to the commendations and recommendations. The commendations were about our positive learning atmosphere, our hard work, continuous improvement, and thoroughness of our self-study. Most of the recommendations where exactly what we had indicated in our self-study and had already included in our action plan. Now the two visitors were putting on their coats. I wasn't sure what the appropriate etiquette was, so I extended my hand and said thank you to the man. I walked over to the woman with my hand stretched. She took my hand and pulled me closer, "Let me give you a hug. You have done a great job and I wish you good luck for the future."
I felt lifted.

In the morning before the final meeting I had received a letter - a handwritten letter from USA. A thank you letter from a former student who is currently in 6th grade. A thank you for getting her to love reading and introducing Harry Potter in third grade. This letter armored me with a smile for the rest of the day.
It touched my heart.

In the evening I sat on a small chair in a kindergarten room and listened to my daughter singing and reading poetry with her friends. A toothless smile and waving in between the numbers, a giggle and a curtsy -all were part of a performance. After the sweet and short Mother's Day concert she gave me a card with a princess and a bracelet from bottle caps. The sun shone warmly as we leisurely walked home, hand-in-hand.
Love all around and within.