Katie Ray

With you, I celebrate the extraordinariness of each day. We link our routines, building a chain of events – mundane, “nothing” moments that, together, become everything.

Here’s what I never learned in my education courses: I never saw videos of teachers holding their ground against a student’s – or worse, a parent’s – abrasive, abusive comments. I never saw a principal quietly pull out a box off tissues when a teacher broke down in tears from pressure. I never knew the indescribably immense necessity of supportive coworkers. I have learned an infinite amount more about how to effectively interact with students from watching the brilliant people I work with than I learned from thousands of textbook pages.

I found myself in my friendships. Mindless chatter, heartfelt conversations, clinking mimosa glasses, and trips down memory lane. I was emboldened by the women who encourage me to be brave. To be unapologetically me.

As the years passed all too quickly, we relaxed and had our share of fun, but we kept each other grounded.

Combing out hair. If I were a cat, I’d definitely be purring right now.

Happiness must be given space to grow and room to evolve. Instead of binding it up and ripping it apart as a semblance of keeping control, surrender yourself to it.

We’re on page one. A fresh new story. I find myself reading every line of you, inhaling your words and your unspoken movements, excited for the volumes to come.

The guy in town for a bachelor party.