In bloom

With TAKS approaching on the heels of the end-of-year administration of the Texas Primary Reading Inventory, immediately preceded by the end-of-year High Frequency Word Evaluation, along with the usual spring flurry of activity and struggling to make sense of a tragic and untimely loss in my life outside of work, I was feeling less than my usual cheerful, energetic self. 

When I stepped outside for my evening 5-mile walk, this caught my eye.  

Lovely!

This cactus garden was a gift from a student I had close to eight years ago.  He was a child who needed many reminders about solving problems in appropriate ways.  He tended to argue and get physical with other children, but that is one of the blessings of working with a child for three years.  We get to see growth--and blooms.  When R____ proudly presented me with this cactus bowl, I was touched--and struck by how right it seemed that he bring cactus. 

Noticing that this cactus had flowered while I wasn't looking was just the reminder I needed of how many invisible gifts these children bring into our lives and the imprint they leave on our hearts.  Some children are like cacti--a little prickly around the edges and less appreciative of lots of water and attention.  You must handle with care and might get poked, but every now and then (and sometimes just when you need it most), those cacti will surprise you with a bloom.

Who are the cacti in your life?  Don't ignore the gifts they have to offer.