Here I Am is about being present and enjoying this life journey. It is about living life to the fullest and practicing being kind and loving and patient and giving and sharing and learning and helping others and making mistakes and getting right back up and celebrating all that is good again and again.

It is about being flexible and accepting and flowing with what is, yet adapting and learning and choosing to make the best of every day.  It’s about being perfectly imperfect and okay and working hard and never giving up.

Tonight was an academic awards celebration at Juliana’s school.  There are so many smart and talented kids in our community. I was so impressed by the number of students that were recognized for having a 4.0 grade point average the entire year.  Juliana was one of the recipients and we were very happy for her and all her hard work and dedication to giving her personal best.

I was really impressed with everyone and so happy that 12 of the 15 math award recipients were girls.  For the science awards, 8 of the 12 recipients were also girls!  This speaks volumes for our emphasis on the STEM program and GAINS program at our school.  

My proudest moment that brought me to tears was when Juliana was chosen to receive the Lynn Rose Memorial Award. 

This award touched my heart because it represents all I want for my daughter.  Lynn Rose was a remarkable woman who touched so many peoples’ lives before she died of cancer, leaving behind 4 children. She was the epitome of representing love and giving freely and helping others and building a community. Everyone loved her and her contributions to our community. Juliana’s contributions to our community, including her school, family, friends, strangers and church were recognized in front of everyone. She was singled out and given beautiful roses and her name will be engraved on a plaque that will stay in the office. 

Juliana represents the qualities that I value and wish for all women. She is – Here I Am!  Congratulations on your recognition tonight. I am so proud of you.

Congratulations to all the award recipients tonight.  You represent the best and the brightest in our community. Thank you for being awesome. 

nAMaste