A Slide Down Means a Move Up

The sun is shining and it is warm in upstate New York, we are hoping and praying for rain to water the flowers, grass, and dry waterways around us. But as we wait, we are making memories and celebrating life's moments. This past June our daughter graduated from high school, and last month we enjoyed a time of memory making with family and friends.

Graduation is a great accomplishment, considering that only 76.4% of the 2011 cohort (Class of 2015) graduated, the 2016 statistics aren't available yet. To graduate is a note-worthy and important milestone in one's life. We need to celebrate the milestones, our children need our encouragement, support, and recognition so they stay the course.

"The New York State Education Department today released high school graduation rates for the 2011 cohort (students who entered 9th grade in 2011). The overall graduation rate for the 2011 cohort increased to 78.1 percent, up 1.7 percentage points from 76.4 percent for the 2010 cohort. The data were presented during the Board of Regents meeting on Monday." To read the entire article, click here.

And with a milestone comes the grief and pain of remembering those who aren't here to celebrate with us. While this thought can be crippling, if we allow it, it's normal and healthy to remember those who have passed before us. These are the very people who helped us, and our kiddos become the people we are today. The important thing to focus on is that we are alive and well, as long as we have breath in our lungs, we have a purpose.  What's your purpose today?

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We always have choices, instead of focusing on the grief...
find the joy in each situation. 
Where is your joy found today?