Today is Arie's last day of first grade

This year, Arie had one of the most amazing teachers I've ever met. As most people who read my blog probably know, Arie can be a very difficult and challenging child. But he's also bright, funny, very good-hearted and kind, and incredibly inquisitive. His teacher this year, seemed to see only the good stuff in him. "If I had a classroom of kids just like Arie, I'd be thrilled," she said on more than one occasion. There are so many things she did to not only challenge Arie academically, but also to make him feel special, and like he was just as much a part of the class as everyone else.

Years from now, I hope Arie looks back on his first grade teacher and realizes that she was one of the best, because haddayr and I certainly realize it now. I'm so glad that our son was in her class, and I don't think I've ever felt so sad about the end of a school year before.