Dear CES Family,

Can this be true? Is this really my last Cardinal letter to you? I think it might be!!

Let me start by saying, “Thank you,” for a wonderful ten years. And, thank you for the beautiful drive-by farewell on Monday. Honestly, I think I enjoyed that more than I would have enjoyed a big reception because I had the opportunity to speak with every current student and parent. The handmade signs and songs and balloons and flowers were unbelievable!! It felt like an ever-flowing stream of love. I’ve never experienced anything like it before. 

Thank you, too, to the Parent Association that presented me with a gorgeous, engraved Waterford wine decanter. When Bob and I met shortly after my move here, he introduced me to Washington, D.C. and all that it has to offer. He also introduced me to the wonderful world of wine. Having attended graduate school in California and then later living there for a number of years, he developed a passion for wine and has shared that with me. I’ve learned a lot, including the importance of decanting, so I look forward to christening its use. The inscription is so touching and meaningful to me, “Dr. Chapin, You inspired our minds to learn, our hearts to love, and our hands to serve...forever. With love and gratitude, The families of CES.” Honestly, if that remains true, and your children grow up to be well-educated, tender-hearted people with a desire to be active in their communities, I will consider my career an enormous success.

Thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of working side-by-side with you to raise your children. I took the responsibility very seriously and will remain grateful that you entrusted CES and me with the daily love and care for the most precious thing in your life….your children.

“Our friends are the mirrors where we recognize ourselves, and quite often it is their generosity of spirit that has enabled us to grow and flourish.” John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings. (2008)

Thank you, Friends, for the generosity of spirit you have shown me. I have definitely grown and flourished while at CES. It is my hope that each of you and each of your children have found a similar generosity of spirit while in this community.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

With love and gratitude,