Normal-

As a parent it is normal to brag about your children.
Celebrate their accomplishments.
Force people to look at their pictures and listen to your stories about them. 
It is expected and it is welcomed.
Losing a baby can change that-
Twenty years ago it was not normal to speak your lost baby's name
Most people didn't take pictures, much less share them.
There weren't blogs and foundations using their names and likenesses.
Things were not spoken of - these babies were not spoken of.
We are so blessed to live in this day in age.
In a time when we do speak of our babies. 

We mention them in passing. 

We tell stories about them.

Share pictures of them.

Help others to grieve and to love
because of them. 

We teach our children about them.

Letting them know they have a sibling-
a brother and a sister to love
who watch them from Heaven.

We make sure they are a part of every season, every holiday- everyday.

I have formed as many relationships because of my children that are not here
as I have from my children who are. 
I have found solace and friendship.
I have learned from my grief.
I am lucky enough to have my very own Angels. 

I am open enough to share them.
Today, on October 15, those of us who have experienced loss
come together. 
We remember our own babies
and we remember each others babies

We light candles and speak their names
We share their pictures and we tell their stories.
We will work together as grieving Moms and Dads.
We will make sure that this is "normal",
that just because our babies are not on this Earth 
does not mean that they are not here-
they are in our hearts, in our homes and in our families.

Trying to help our kids stay Highlander Strong...

In the past few months I have been given the opportunity to be a voice for parents in the district. Last week I was able to speak for a few minutes before the meet the candidates night held for our school board. 

Since I started this blog because of my children and I am a part of the levy committee because of my children, I thought I would share it here. 

My name is Sarah Caito. I am an alumni of the oak hills class of 1998. I am the daughter of an alumni of the class of 1969 and the daughter of an employee of the district for over 20 years. I am an advocate for my children therefore I am an advocate for the oak hills local school district. Nine months ago I was given the opportunity to be on a committee to help pass the levy which will be on the ballot on November 5. This opportunity has not only shown me so much about government and our district on an educational level- but more importantly it has shown me how much the faculty, teachers and administration really care about their "kids". 

I know standing here today I am in great company. Those who care about the district and want to see it succeed. This November we are asking for 

-A 4.82 mill operating levy that will cost a homeowner $14.06 per month on $100,000 of assessed property valuation. 

This past May was the first time Oak Hills has asked for a levy increase in 16 years.

Because the levy did not pass in May 2013, the district had to make $1.3 million in cuts in June affecting this school year. These cuts are in addition to the $3 million in cuts made in the 2012-13 school year.

If the levy does not pass in November this will mean another $2.9 million in cuts must be made including:

Eliminating 20 teaching positions at Oak Hills High School.

 Eliminating 24 teaching positions at our middle schools.

Increasing pay to participate fees by $75 per student, per sport with no family cap.

Eliminating 1 administrator at the high school.

Eliminating 1 school psychology assistant.

Cleaning classrooms less frequently.

Increasing class sizes at elementary, middle school and high school levels.

I am here today because I am going to vote yes. I will vote yes for my daughter- I will vote yes for my son. I will vote yes for the kids who are taking college courses in our high school and the kids who receive early intervention before kindergarten. I will vote yes because I want the 8,200  kids in the district who are receiving an amazing education to continue receiving the services they do. Please take the time to vote on November 5 and Vote yes for Oak Hills.