God knew....

I have felt compelled to write this post about one of the most influential people in Sydney's life, but I am not even sure how to put into words what this person means to our family.  The relationship with this person started well before Sydney ever stepped a foot into his classroom.  It started when she was a mere 5 years old and stepped foot into his wife's music classroom in kindergarten.  This was when Sydney was bit by the music bug.  Mrs. Morales's enthusiasm and passion made a huge impact on Sydney.  At five we didn't know what importance all of this would mean in the years to come. Sydney continued on with anything musical in her elementary years from choir, to orchestra, to musicals. This was truly some place she could express herself, it was healing for her.  As she left elementary she was placed into some very loving and caring hands at the middle school.  Mrs. Dahn continued to help push Sydney in choir and she added spunk and zest to everything she did.   But this man, has made a HUGE impact on her life.  While I am not downplaying the role these women have made in her life, Mr. Morales came into our lives at a very pivotal point for Sydney.  Losing her dad had left a huge hole in her life.  Mr. Morales truly is a father figure in her eyes.  He helped her see what a loving and caring relationship between a "dad" and daughter should be.  Each and every one of the students in orchestra is one of his kids.  Any outsider can see this by the way he interacts with them. He can joke with them, but he can also give them advice and help steer them on the correct path.  I am truly in awe of him.  He KNOWS each and everyone of his students and is able to reach them in ways that many other teachers cannot.  He takes the time to get to know them....he invests in each one of them.Tonight he held a banquet in their honor.  He called them up one by one and gave them an award. Some were funny and some were serious but they all came from the heart.  So Mr. Morales I don't even know where to begin to thank you for investing in my child.  For loving her like she was your own. For helping her to find her smile and love for life.  But most of all for showing her that there is good in this world and that we need to invest in one another....it cost nothing, but the reward is invaluable.  So glad that you are part of our village.  God knew we needed you in our lives.