Dear Members,
We are rapidly approaching my favorite day of the year. As a native of Washington, I have always been very tuned into our day and night cycle. Throughout the summer we luxuriate in our long days and late evenings. We treasure the extra time we can spend on our patios, decks, and in the great outdoors. December is, of course, a different story. It’s dark. At times it is very dark. The darkest day of this year, the winter solstice, will be Monday, December 21. This is my favorite day.
It has been a difficult year for almost all of us and devastating for too many of us. The emotional strain has been great. We are enduring some very long nights right now. Soon, though, brighter days are coming. We may not notice it at first. The changes will come slowly. We have to hold on to our hope.
We have to keep the faith that we can get to the other side. It will take quite a while to recover and we will be changed when it is done. However, by holding on to our core purpose and values, we can work hard to learn the lessons that these terrible times can teach us.
My pledge, my promise, my commitment to you is to do that hard work. We have learned, painfully at times, how much better we can be, how much better we need to be. I want to work with you, our members, volunteers, and leaders, to make PTA in Washington state a better organization. I want to clear the clouds and make room for the sun to shine brightly on all of our children and families. I am looking forward to celebrating the summer solstice with you next June. The days will be long, the sun will be bright, and with your help, the Washington State PTA will be a better organization. Together we can ensure that every child is served by the voice of PTA.
Best wishes for a happy new year,
Andrew L. Estep
WSPTA Executive Director