What.You.Are

Dear Tessa Bug,

I dedicated this song to you five long.crazy.fast.exhausting.ridiculous.worthwhile.happy.sad.sleepless weeks ago.  

Now that you are done, I hope you celebrate that fact that you are strong.smart.brave.helpful.special.  

Not many people could do what you did.  

Not many people want to do what you'll be doing.  

But you'll be making a difference.  

Every.single.day.  

Though you might not get thanked {ever},  you won't be rich {from your own works}, 

and you may not be able to see your students make life choices 

that ultimately reflect the goodness of your character 

{wrapped up in scarves, shiny lips, pretty hair 

and oozed out through gentle leadership, interesting lessons, and positive reinforcement}, 

you will make a difference.  

Because you are strong.super.proud.friendly.magical {yes?}.special.  

And even if you are grouchy sometimes like Oscar, you are loved.  

Always and forever :: to the moon and back.  

We are so proud of you.

Love, Ash, Andrew, & Alekzander
{Mom, Dad, Ryan, and all your other loyal blog followers and friends.}

If what I am is what's in me
Then I'll stay strong - that's who I'll be
and I will always be the best
"me" that I can be.

There's only one me, I am it
have a dream I'll follow it
It's up to me to try.

Oh! I'm a keep my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
I'll be getting stronger.

And nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never gonna stop, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.
And what I am is thoughtful
what I am is musical
what I am is smart
and what I am is brave
what I am is helpful
what I am is special
There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...

Gonna keep our heads up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
Just keep getting stronger.

And nothing's gonna bring us down (no!)
Never give it up, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.

What I am is super
what I am is proud
what I am is friendly
what I am is grouchy
what you are is magical
what you are is special

There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...

Gonna hold my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna stop
I'll be getting stronger.

Nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never give it up gotta go, oh... yeah...
I'll keep getting strong--er.

{Sesame Street :: Will.i.am's Song "What I Am"}