This weekend, I was dead tired. So we headed to the Fair for some R&R.

Just kidding.

I was dead tired but I wasn’t delusional enough to expect R&R from the fair. I also didn’t expect a cheerleader.

While unloading our family and the miscellaneous odds and ends we might need throughout the day (ear pro for Ollie? Mama might borrow those for crowd control. Snacks? For all! Stroller? For me, I mean Ollie) I felt a tap on the shoulder.

“Excuse me” I heard a voice say while placing a piece of paper in my hand. As soon as I’d heard her, she was gone and I was left looking at what she’d left in my grasp.

“You’re doing an amazing job! Keep it up!” the index card read.

I teared up on the spot.

If there’s anything I needed in the moment, it was that. Honestly, in any moment.

Validation.

Feeling seen.

Feeling like someone is rooting for you.

I couldn’t point this young woman out in a crowd if I had to but I am grateful to her and for her nonetheless. The next morning, when I felt altogether less than cheer-worthy, I looked at the card (my new bookmark) to remind myself that I am doing a great job, the best job I can do. And all I can do is to keep it up.

The cheerleaders help us move forward.

Cheers to all of the cheerleaders, known and unknown. To the friends who tell you how fabulous you are when you feel funky. To the random compliment you get from a stranger. For the love notes we leave.

Cheers to you.

You’re doing an amazing job! Keep it up!

With love,

From Alaska