A new year--2008! We have spent wonderful, revitalizing time with our families during the holiday season, focusing on the love we share and the real meaning and importance of those relationships. Now it is time to look toward a new year, including the process of looking at our individual needs for growth and change, dedicating our actions to make us better and more productive individuals.
The past six months have been a whirlwind for me as Utah PTA President. The issues we have worked on as the Utah PTA Board of Directors have taken many hours, sharing our beliefs about children and their growth and development and encouraging parents over the state to become increasingly involved with their children and knowledgeable about children’s issues in Utah today. Our focus has been that every child, no matter his strengths or weaknesses, should be given those things that will aid his self-esteem and help him succeed. We look at activities, programs and issues with every child in mind.
I love children. I love the bright-eyed innocence, the desire for knowledge, the quick laughter, and the forgiving spirit they display. I look at those who are loved, those who have enhanced great talents, those who live in homes of safety and prosperity. I also look at those who go home each day to an empty house (literally as well as figuratively), those who have need of the basics of food and clothing, those who have no one to love or care for them. We have many of both here in Utah.
What could make a difference for children in 2008? If each PTA leader would examine his commitment and set a goal to reach out in some way to a child who needs an example, a helping hand, or just a little extra love, the heart of a child could be lifted and encouragement given. With all my heart I believe if we are true to our best nature and to the whisperings of our hearts, we can each make a difference for a child. We can be a light for him, giving guidance and direction where desperately needed.
I hope you will find it in your heart this year to make one step up in your service to children. I am firmly convinced we each can make a difference.
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Click on the links below for past messages.
July/August 2007
September/October 2007
November/December 2007
January/February 2007
March/April 2008
May/June 2008
