Keep in mind this Christmas....

I was just talking to a guidance counselor about one of my students and was moved to tears as I learned more about this student's life.....

I have friends having babies, adopting children, applying to become foster parents, and loving their toddlers' first words. I have cousins who's children are the most important members of our family and who get covered in hugs and kisses the moment they walk in the door. These kids are much loved....but there are kids out there who are not.

Please keep in mind, (and not just during the holidays) how lucky you are to be loved. Share that love. Be kind to each other, especially those who are most difficult to be kind to. Think twice before mocking the weird kid, the smelly kid, the little rich girl, the socially awkward one, the band geeks, the prissy popular girls, the poor kid, the teacher who wears weird clothes, the guy who dropped all his books on the stairs, the girl who sits alone at lunch, the guy who tells annoying jokes....we are all a product of our environment. Be conscious of when you are kind, know when you are unkind. Make an effort to not hurt others. Seriously think about what you do and to whom....

And above all know that someone cares about you. I do. Happy Holidays.

Merry Christmas.