oral presentation

Every month Leta has to give an oral presentation in front of her class, and over the weekend we put the final touches on a giant poster board full of images of salt. Why did she choose the subject of salt? We’re glad you asked. We happen to live near the largest salt water lake in the Western Hemisphere. Did you also know that The Great Salt Lake contributes an estimated $1.3 billion annually to Utah’s economy. Yes, it does indeed. Salt is rad.

We practiced her notes for a few hours on Sunday and every afternoon since then. This morning she stood in front of her class and gave what I think is her best presentation yet. She was animated, she remembered to gesture and she spoke loudly enough for those of us in the back to hear her. I’m so proud of all the hard work she’s been putting into school and piano over the last few months. It has not been easy, and I’ve had to have many long conversations about the quality that hard work adds to our lives. I’ve encouraged her until my voice gave out. It’s a stage of parenthood that is very different than the ones that have come before, but it’s one that I am loving for the emotion it has opened up inside of me. I have so much more to say about this, but right now I’m just beaming over this human being I am helping to cultivate.