graduation

Shawnie just finished her final year at Edith Bowen Elementary School. (sniff! sniff!) What a blessing that place has been in our life. I never could have known nine years ago when we made the decision to move Sari there what an impact it would have on our family. Both of the girls had incredible teachers and friends throughout their years there that have influenced them in many ways. They were both loved and adored by everyone in the school, administrators, teachers and students alike. They both participated in the honor choir and Shawnie was able to participate in spanish dancing and was a member of the student council for three years, as well as a member of the newspaper staff! Shawnie's teachers had amazing attitudes and were able to see instantly beyond her physical disability at the "normal kid" inside and treat her as such. She became an integral part of the school community and I can honestly say the school will never be the same without her there! She even had a teacher who had never taught her come up to her on the last day of school in tears thanking her for her influence. I get all teary thinking about it! I am so grateful for the opportunities and blessings and memories that have come from our experiences with this wonderful institution. I just can't believe it's really come to an end.
But now we move on to new and exciting adventures! Shawnie will be starting over (NEXT WEEK!!!) making a difference once again in a school that is not prepared for her challenges but ready and willing to embrace them. The Bear River Charter School will be just as blessed for having her attend as Edith Bowen was and I'm excited (and really nervous) to see where these next few years take her...