3+

When I was in Elementary School our grades were E (excellent), VG (very good), S (satisfactory), and NI (needs improvement).  Nowadays in the same county the students are rated on a 3+, 3, 2, and 1 system.

When you are constantly assessing and explaining to parents why their child received the rating they did, it forces one to think of their life in those terms.

Recently I began to think of the rating of my life after losing a child.

I give myself a 3+ ALL the way!!!

I am still standing.  I show up to work everyday with passion.  I help others who walk the same path as I do.  I am present with my child, my marriage, my family, and my friends.  I weather the ups and downs of life as they come.  I make my house a home.  I educate myself in every element of its existence.  I put one foot in front of the other no matter how I may stumble.  I get out of bed every morning with varying weights on my shoulders.  I cherish the little things, the many little things that turn into big things.  I learn from my mistakes and my triumphs.  I love and live better.  I take every opportunity to better myself.  I am empathetic to those who are struggling.  I am trying to take better care of my mind, body, and spirit.  I am more patient with those I come in contact with.  I make mistakes, yet I try to forgive myself easier and know that mistakes are human as am I.  I listen, not hear, but listen better.  I feel no shame in sharing my son with the world.  I feel more confident as a parent.  I live, I truly live.

Isn't that beyond expectations, in other words a 3+?