Appreciated

I am very fortunate to be in a position to volunteer to help at the kids' schools and with their various other activities. Sometimes I really want to, like with Jake's classroom. It helps me get to know his teacher, his classmates and get a glimpse of how he is doing in school firsthand. Sometimes, I do it because although I really don't mind, no one else is willing. This was the case with me being the team mom for his baseball team this spring. Other times I do it because, well I was specifically asked to, like being one of the two backstage moms for Jadyn's recital. Again, I really didn't mind as long as still got to see her performance, which I did.

And even though I really want to be involved and don't mind volunteering, it is still nice when the people you are volunteering for, take the time to acknowledge and recognize your contribution. In the past, there has been some appreciation but right now I am feeling very overwhelmed with the gratitude I have received.

Jake had his end of season party last Sunday (closing ceremonies are Friday and then I will write a wrap-up post of the season). I was very surprised to be recognized by his manager, Coach Mike and presented with a famed picture of the team, which all the players signed. How sweet is that? Then earlier this week, Jake's teacher asked me to stop by the classroom and I was presented with a vase filled with candy. What is hard to tell in the picture was that all the students also signed the vase. How cute is that? Finally, an email went out from the owner of the dance studio Jadyn attends thanking all the volunteers from the recital last week and letting us know that as a thank you, we would each be receiving a free DVD of the recital. How cool is that?

I don't do it for the accolades, truly I don't. But is nice when your time and effort is appreciated and acknowledged. I am very touched.