Inspiration

          On Monday, August 1, the Vail School District holds its annual 'All Staff Welcome Back'.  It is a huge event - every employee - teacher, administrator, custodian - everyone, attends.  It is so big, it is held in the auditorium of the Pantano Christian Church, as, no school facility is large enough!
         I was honored and touched to receive an invitation to attend this event this year, by Darcy Mentone, principal of the new high school, Andrada Polytechnic High School, as I was a part of its planning committee.
         Last year, our whole family was there - Kim, as Volunteer Coordinator of Rincon Vista Middle School - excited for the event, yet nervous about having to speak about Vail Pride Day...looking professional, yet beautiful, in her gray suit and lavender top - her blue eyes flashing with excitement.  The bambini and I manned a table to help raise awareness about the budget override vote coming in the fall. 
         We all had breakfast together, outside.  They had such a nice spread of bagels, muffins, danishes and fruit.  The kids played with other friends who were there.  There was no mistaking the buzz among the V.S.D. employees...this was something special - you could feel it.

          Kim was so excited to hear the district's superintendent, Calvin Baker, speak.  She loved his enthusiasm and energy. He makes you want to work hard and succeed!  And he did not dissappoint on this day, bringing in thunderous applause and shouts several times during his speech.

          We snuck inside several times to see Kimmy and hear her angelic voice, as well as, to catch some of Mr. Baker's motivational speech, kicking off yet another successful academic year in style. 
           The All Staff Welcome Back is a day in our lives that I will not soon forget...

             ....but sometimes I do forget - how to stay motivated and up.  Still on a bit of a roller coaster, I've found.  Although it is no where near as crazy - in the beginning, it seemed to flucuate from scared to sheer terror to collapsed.  Then, from sorrow to anxiety to collapse.  Then, from hope, to hurt, to happy.  Now, it is more like 'ok, I got this', to 'do I?'  and back.  Much more manageable.  Mostly. 

              The days start early, end late and get long...I try to squeeze it all in and make sure the bambini do not feel too rushed and get some love.  Our friends Lupe and Manny took care of dinner for us tonight, which was a relief - and, we got to watch some soccer - my favorite soccer team from the Italian league, beat Club America from the Mexican league 1-0 at Mets stadium.  I don't get that channel, either, so it was nice to watch.

              And when I do forget, I have been blessed to be propped back up - reminded - and it is as motivating as a Calvin Baker speech! Making me want to do better and be better. I am able to focus, give the bambini the encouragement and nurturing that they need and keep a smile on my face.  It can be a struggle, some days, to keep the negative element out and to stay inspired - but, I am learning ways to keep the sun's warming rays on my face...

                  Thank you,
                                : )
                      Love,
                             Dave