Beauty from Ashes

On the radio show I host I often refer to beauty from ashes...how an impossible situation can lead to something precious. It never ceases to amaze me as I get the chance to talk with people all across the country who have made Beauty from Ashes. They inspire me.

Today we received our new handwriting book. J3 decided he wanted to tackle cursive this year. I gently handed him the book. He was so excited. It was his CURSIVE book - and it was BLUE!!! (ah, the things that make a difference to our children! lol).

I had him look at the letters and their shapes. I labeled the cursive letters in print so he could have a "comparison chart". I was ready to close the book for the day and move on.

Instead I heard, "Mom, can I start it right NOW!??!?!!?"

"Uh, sure."

Off he went, zealous and excited, planning to do 2-3 pages.

He didn't make it 2-3 pages. He did finish the page he was on.

He made a very good and legible row of E and e.

He made a slightly less spectacular row of B. And a completely illegible row of b.

I drew smiley faces over every good example and gave him a hug. We agreed to tackle b tomorrow again.

He gave me another hug and ran off.

All from the child who 3 years ago would cry at the sight of a pencil because of his public school trauma.

So I tell each and every one of you as I tell my radio show audience nearly every week:

There is hope. There is light. There is beauty from ashes. Embrace it.