Yesterday I walked my dogs the usual way: up to the elementary school at the end of my block, where I intended to turn right and go on over to the next block, then around. It took me a long time to make that right turn, however, because outside the elementary school were numerous expressions of thanks to teachers and organizations. These messages were written in chalk on the sidewalk and many were accompanied by illustrations. There were hearts. There were rainbows. There were rabbits and there were suns whose rays were long, wobbly spokes. Some of the printing was inexpert; some of it was elegant. There was one message from an adult that thanked the teachers for helping the children grow, and it was accompanied by a very beautiful drawing of a tree, the branches plentiful and reaching out far.
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