Dear Mom,

As I began to write this letter, one of my students entered my office.  She asked for five minutes of my time and I helped her with some issues.  She left my office happy and then turned around and said “You are one of the best counselors I’ve ever had.  Your mother must be proud of you.”  I find it very fitting that she walked in during the time I was writing you a letter.  It made me realize again that all that I am today; I owe it all to you, Mom.  You taught me to listen and not judge others; that everyone has flaws and imperfections.  You taught forgiveness and to never hold grudges because it will only cause you more stress.  You taught me patience; that no matter how much hardships and heartaches I’ve put you through when I was younger, you never doubted me.  You are the rock that holds us steady.  You are the glue that keeps us together.  When I do get the chance to go home and visit you, it is always heartwarming and I always miss it.  I live my life the way I do because you taught me.  I always want to make you proud.  So when I reflect on what my student said in my office?  I’m one of the best counselors she’s ever had because of everything that I’ve learned from you.  You are the epitome of what all mothers should be—patient, nurturing, selfless, forgiving, and loving.  Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for always believing in me.  I appreciate you.  I miss you.  I love you.  God bless you always with good health and a strong union with Pops.

Love,
Nate

We got roughly two and a half weeks until this semester is over.  What happened to the first 15 weeks of school?  This has got to be one of the fastest semesters I’ve ever had.  However, the last two weeks are usually the hardest and longest weeks of the year.  Sometimes, I feel like I’m barely clawing myself to the finish line.  It reminds me when I was younger, living in Chicago trudging through knee-high piles of snow.  But I remind myself, no matter what, keep pushing.  Easier said than done.

Watching “Facing The Giants” reminds me that I should give my best in all the things that I do.  I’ve seen my students, one after another, burned out of the many activities and classes they’ve been involved throughout the semester.  But I continue to tell them, give me your best.  We’ve came this far and with two weeks remaining, let’s not let it all go to waste.  Remember, easy to do and easier to do.  Someone once told me that “everything in life is easy.  We just make it difficult.”

So no matter where you are this semester, what’s done is done.  Draw the line in the sand and start all over.  Moving forward toward the final two weeks, what are you going to do to finish strong?  Are you going to accept defeat and remain stagnant or will you fight to create a strong ending to your semester?

I know I need to remain focus because those around me needs it.  Come through in the clutch, finish strong, and give me your best.  Or better yet, give yourself the very best.  You deserve it.