Yesterday I realized that yet another whole year has passed at the Garden School with so many changes. My youngest grandchild turned one yesterday, and it marked a very special occasion. Robbie was born with wet lung and had to struggle to live. He had a reasonable chance, but it could easily have gone the other way. I don't think I've ever seen a mother work so hard to save her child. She became attached to the breast pump which was the source of Robbie's strength and desire to live. All the way through his first year Molly kept him safe from colds for fear he would succumb to crib death. When the real flu hit her family and the family was quarantined, she grieved for her baby. Now, after a year of struggle, Robbie is a bouncing, happy, beautiful, healthy baby and the most wonderful docile child I've ever known. His smiles fill the heart and the room. If all babies were like Robbie, everyone would have at least six.

In commemoration of all the hard work the nurses and doctors did for Robbie at the hospital, we are taking donations for tiny infant clothes to be given to St. Mary's Hospital. Clothes are one thing that is constantly in short supply there. It's our way to say thank you.

As I think back a year, I realize how much our little school as changed and how many wonderful children have come to us and how many are now finishing their years with us. It's hard to believe that some of our "tiny tiny ones" are big enough to go on to big school. I remember when Madison Bockelman first arrived and waited to be separated from her mother because that had happened in day care. Now, with big school looming in the not too distant future, I wouldn't be surprised to know that Madison can't wait to solo.

Faith arrived in tears and sat on the red futon and wept. So did Morgan. She wandered around weeping. Abby used to take forty two goodbyes to dad every day. Hadley, the famous reader was so shy I don't think I heard her voice for the first year.

There is always one outstanding scholar in the pack. Hadley is probably the outstanding scholar, but this year she has several children who are a very close second: Alexis, Adyson and Abby. Each one of them has their special first in class niche.

It's been a terrific year. And next year looks like a good one too provided we make it through this marathon summer.

Friday - TOMORROW is our little graduation and as we pull report cards, classroom awards, achievement awards, and prizes together, it all comes back as an avalanche of good works.

See you at 3:00 p.m. Friday. We're going to have a picnic after. Please plan to bring your child's favorite side dish for about six people.