Celebrating Erin

Being a middle child can be difficult.  There's the feeling of not being first or last, but rather squeezed in between.  Erin comes from a long line of middle children:  I'm a middle; my dad's a middle; his mom was a middle.

When Erin was born, it sure seemed like she came out mad at the world that she wasn't first-born.  In those first few years of her life, she began to adjust to the role of baby of the family...and then Drew was born, pushing Erin into the position of middle.  Let's just say she did not go willingly into that middle spot.

Over the years, Erin has accepted her role as the middle child, and has blossomed there.  In particular, these last two years she has flourished.  This is the second year she has been the only Shattuck at Percy Julian Middle School, and she has enjoyed being out from under the shadows of her siblings.  It's been a beautiful thing to watch.

The best part is, I'm not the only one to notice how special Erin is.  Today, Erin received a special citation from the Optimist Club in Oak Park for their annual Youth Appreciation Day.  This award is given to one student in each of the public and private schools in Oak Park for outstanding behavior in every area of his or her life.  Erin was chosen by the eighth grade teachers at Julian to receive this special award.

Baird and I attended the Optimist Club luncheon today where Erin was honored.  My heart was bursting with pride as I sat there and listened to Ms. Helm publicly praise my daughter in a way that made it seem Erin was passing the beautification process on her way to sainthood.  She mentioned Erin's leadership in cross country.  She talked about Erin's involvement in the community: her helping out with Best Buddies at school, giving up Saturday mornings for the Emergency Clothes Closet and teaching in the AWANA Sparks program on Wednesday nights.  She talked about how Erin brings a smile to the face of all the teachers at Julian, whether or not they have her in class.

I guess the only thing left to say is, congratuations, Erin.  You truly do uphold the dignity of youth, show sincere devotion to the welfare of others, and make generous and unselfish contributions to society. I couldn't be more proud of you, and I'm thrilled that you have the spotlight for such a worthy achievement.