Letter From A Proud DKJA Parent!
I am usually a quiet, stay-in-the-background parent who enjoys the simple pleasures of having a second grade daughter – taking her to school, helping with her homework, participating in class events. But today I’m an emotional parent, and I felt the need to communicate my gratitude to you (and many others at DKJA) for the role that you play in my daughter’s – and my family’s – lives.
To our joy – and with our gratitude – our daughter is thriving, growing, learning, maturing... and I know that it’s because of this beautiful environment and community that surrounds her. You, as leaders and educators, along with our beautiful network of friends, have exemplified to our family that it does take a community to raise a child, and what a beautiful community it is.
I was out of town on Wednesday, and unaware until later in the afternoon of what had happened just minutes away from our school and home. As soon as I could, I started watching all of the news reports and hearing about the horrified situation in our community. I heard parents, politicians and members of the media talking about how unacceptable it is that we, as parents, need to fear for the safety of our children in the safe haven that should be our schools. And it is unacceptable. But as I travelled back home, I wasn’t feeling fearful, but instead an overwhelming sense of comfort. Because I knew that my daughter, surrounded by her friends, her teachers and other school leaders, felt safe. When I picked her up from school on Thursday, she ran out of the doors with a smile on her face, as happy as any 7-year old should be – and although I didn’t need any validation, that moment confirmed all of my feelings.
As all of us are - I’m sad, angry and frustrated. But the emotion that has taken over more than any other is one of appreciation. I thank you for your leadership, in this time of need and always. I thank her teachers (since Kindergarten) for providing a comforting and fun environment in which she is learning, growing and flourishing. And I thank our spiritual leaders who provide such a sense of peace, connection and comfort – not just for our child but for my wife and I as well. I sincerely thank you all.
I’m getting on a plane once again on Monday but do so with a sense of peace, gratitude and comfort, knowing that my family is in good hands. We put our daughter in the ideal environment to learn, to grow, to feel a part of a community, and to feel safe – now and always – and I thank you all.
May we all find strength in our families and community during this trying time.
Sincerely,
A proud DKJA parent
