From Maria’s Desk – December 2021

Dear OVV Friends and Family,

As winter break approaches, I’d like to extend my warm holiday wishes to each member of the OVV community—the children, families, supporters, volunteers, teachers, and staff. No matter how you choose to celebrate your holiday, I hope it’s marked by happiness, generosity, and love.

My favorite holiday activity may sound mundane but for me it’s quite meaningful. Each year, we erect a large pine tree in the reception area of the OVV school building. The tree is beautiful and green and fills our entrance with cheer. What really sets it apart, though, are its ornaments: from top to bottom it is covered with ornaments featuring photos of past and present OVV children. It is our memory tree.  A tree that celebrates the children.

I simply love our tree and its OVV ornaments. I love hanging the ornaments with our teachers and staff at the start of each holiday season, and I love walking by and seeing the happy faces of our children dangling from the tree throughout the month of December.

But my favorite activity comes later. After Christmas and New Years have passed and the tree must be taken down, I spend the day removing the ornaments one by one and reminiscing about all the wonderful children who have passed through our doors. Every face of every child sparks a memory. Even after the children have graduated from our program and ventured out into the world, those memories live on. By reflecting on those memories, I’m reminded of the power of the work we do.   

I am so grateful for all the beautiful memories, and I look forward to making more with you in 2022. Until then, have a safe and merry winter break!

Warmly,

Maria

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