Born GOOD

I am so grateful for our public school system, and am especially thankful today for a special team who has created, with our input, an individual learning plan for Jordany. Our meeting today is a prime example of why we live where we do.

The people, the resources, the kindness and the care that I've experienced through the last almost 20 years has been exceptional. Whenever I'm asked about our county, I praise the strength of education here. It's one of the top reasons that Don and I decided to raise our family in this town, and the meeting we had today was another reminder to be grateful.

When Don and I left the school this afternoon, we were talking about how well things had gone. We were complimenting the teachers, admin and staff who attended, and Don mentioned the importance of each one of them. We talked about how educators are undervalued and underpaid.

Really, it's a shame. Educators should have top paying jobs. Many go over-and-above what is expected of them, they spend money of their own for their classrooms, and also they often pour their energy into helping not just one child...but 1000's in a career.

I understand that public school employees are paid by the government, and it to me this is a sign of failure. If it exists, I don't know, but, in my opinion, state's education budgets don't even make a dent in reflecting the significance and importance of those who actually "make school happen."

What's great about people, though, is that they often rise to the occasion despite the odds, lack of benefits or their inadequate salaries. Teachers and those working in education certainly aren't the only ones overlooked and undervalued by government budgets. There are countless others who are more than pulling their weight in spite of the odds because they believe in what they are doing.

Our children need to be poured into by the men and women who teach in the classroom, work with special need children, make the school run efficiently and effectively, clean the school and so much more.

Today, when I looked at the women seated around our table, special people who took time to be with my son for hours upon hours with the common goal of making his education experience the very best possible, I am humbled.

When man and woman were created, they were carefully sculpted and declared "GOOD"... the best creation in the world.

Being called good is more than just a "stamp of approval"... We were made good to the core. Humankind often misses out on the goodness of others. As a person, I often deny offering my goodness to people I pass or come in contact with on any given day.

I don't want to withdraw kindness, love, graciousness or acceptance from any person that crosses my path. I'm going to remind myself to tap back into that sweet spot of good that was so lovingly and intentionally planted in me from the beginning of time.

On this day, five essential people poured their goodness into Jordany, Don and me and did so without condition.

I want to do the same...