3 people I'm grateful for, part 1

Avi, the woman at the Starbucks where we go every Wednesday afternoon to do homework and get a snack. She knows Lil E by name, asks him how his school day was, and always has a smile and a compliment to go along with the mini scones and chocolate milk.

Mr. Raphael, Lil E's Tae Kwon Do teacher, who sets the bar and an example as high as his side kick. He seems to be the kind of man I'd like my boy to become one day.In the meantime, his black belt attitude is speaks loud and clear to my boy, on and off the mat.

Lil E's preschool teacher, Mrs. H. -- a gem. I knew she was brilliant and just the right teacher for him in the two years he was in her class. But now that he's soaring as a reader, money counter, writer, scientist, curious kid and social being in his kindy class, I am even more thankful for all the preparation and guidance she gave us both.