Mrs. Cichy and Zachary
The Blue Ribbon that was given to Zachary
"While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about."
Today Zachary received an award at school for being the most "GIVING" student at Covington Elementary. Each month Zachary's school works on a virtue of the month and then at the end of the month the Principal and classroom teachers chose one student, who has best demonstrated and practiced that virtue, and then they present the student with an award in front of the entire school. When they presented the award to Zachary, he said, "I can not believe they chose me." He was so excited and proud. Zachary's Principal then walked over to me and said, "You and Kirk are raising a blue ribbon kid." After the Principal made that comment to me, I started to think about how many people have touched our son's life and have helped him become, who he is today. I thought about Var Jean Balls, who is Zachary's Sunday school teacher and how she faithfully comes to church each week and teaches my son that he is "A Child of God" and his life as well as others has a divine purpose. I then thought about how our small family was asked to serve each month at an assisted living center and how I have watched Zachary give hugs and visit with the older people, who live at that facility this has been a great opportunity for our family to give back to our community. I also thought about Mrs. Cichy and how she consistently encourages Zachary to be the best student that he can possibly be, and then there are Zachary's doctors who formulate a plan and teach Kirk and I how to best parent him. There have been so many people, who have helped and continue to help us raise a "blue ribbon kid." We are so blessed to have each of you in our lives.
On another side note, Zachary has not wanted to ride the bus the entire school year because he has been afraid of bullies. Well this morning, Zachary decided that he wanted to ride the bus to school and this was a huge accomplishment for Zachary! Once Zachary was on the bus, Isabella and I drove to the school and waited in Mrs. Cichy's classroom for Zachary to arrive. Once he arrived in the classroom, he walked over to me and said, "Mom the bus was so much fun and all of the kids were really nice." At that moment I heard so much pride and confidence in Zachary's voice, and for once I heard no fear. Mrs.Cichy then walked over to me and said, "Heidi look at how far Zachary has come you should be very pleased." Kirk and I are very pleased and happy. As Zachary's mother, it has been challenging for me to watch Zachary struggle with anxiety issues and his ADHD. However, having Zachary in my life has taught me so many things. I have learned that I need to be on my knees seeking and asking for Divine guidance and I have received it. I have learned to have empathy for others, who have children who struggle with disabilities, I have learned to be an advocate for my son, and most important Zachary helps me to strive to be the best mother that I can be. Zachary is a gift to our family and we love him dearly even when he can be a "little turkey" at times. Congratulations Zachary! we are so proud of your accomplishments! Love, Dad, Mom, and Isabella
