Today was Grandparent's Day at West Chester Friends School. Initially, I thought this day would come and go since Savannah's Grandparents are 3,000 miles away. Thankfully, that was not the case. Savannah was given the choice to invite a special adult in lieu of a Grandparent. I didn't know if she would take to the idea and I only put it out there in conversation with no real opinion. Savannah was thrilled to hear of the option and almost immediately asked to take her beloved Miss Neely. Miss Neely and I have been raising kids side by side for years now and I am over joyed to see that it has not only impacted my life but the lives of our children.
Off Miss Neely went with Savannah to school while I stayed home with her girls and the twins. Savannah was dressed up in her uniform for the very first time and very excited. (The school only wears uniforms for special occasions. I have to say after seeing it on her, I am a big fan of uniforms!!) Grandparent's Day is quite and event at WCFS. It lasts three hours! Neely was able to see Savannah in her classroom, attend Meeting for Worship with Savannah, and watch Savannah perform with her class. There were many special touches along the way. The school contacted the out of town Grandparents and had them send cards to their grandchild. I thought it was an extremely generous effort. Savannah was very surprised when she received her card. Neely bought Savannah books at the book fair for both Savannah and to donate to the library in Savannah's name. Savannah can't wait to go to the library and see her name in the book. Miss Neely thinks of everything when it comes to touching my little girl's heart.
After debriefing about the day, I was surprised to learn that Savannah was chosen to play an important role in her classroom. One of the first events of the day was to have the students explain different classroom routines to the grandparents. T. Michelle had chosen Savannah to go first. She bravely stood up and told the students and grandparents about the Morning News. Each day the class does Morning News which involves the date and a piece of new from one student. After her explanation, Savannah had to write the following sentence on the board (She chose the sentence). "I went to Dutch Wonderland last Sunday Night." I guess she did a pretty good job with the hard words. I couldn't believe she would choose a sentence with words she didn't know how to spell. Savannah is thoughtful enough to choose a sentence that she could ace if she wanted to. I asked Savannah how she felt getting up in front of everyone and this is what she said. "I felt a little shy but I tried not to show it." Wow, I am overjoyed. Is this the same girl that used to follow me around the house because she was too nervous to be in a different room or floor than me? Is this the same girl who had to be told to speak louder and look at people's eyes when saying hello? According to Miss Neely, WCFS has cracked her shell and helped Savannah emerge. I couldn't be more proud. Having been a teacher, I know the type of student I would choose to represent the class first, especially when asking them to perform a tough writing task. I just can't believe that that child is my daughter. It just goes to show that children never cease to amaze.
On this Thanksgiving Eve, I am immensely thankful for my oldest. She is sweet, loving and thoughtful. She thanked Miss Neely for spending the day with her time and time again . Savannah reminds me to stop and appreciate all that we have and are.
I am also thankful for my sister in motherhood, Miss Neely. She continues to fill my children with love each and everyday. It really does take a village. . .
