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I reached for my Blackberry. It was not ringing or vibrating, and I couldn't have been less concerned with my email at that moment. It had been powered off and put away, but as my 8-year-old unfolded the elephant's trunk that was so neatly tucked inside her "author study," I decided it was time to figure out how the video camera on the Blackberry Storm worked.

I've been blessed to have many proud moments with my three kids, and this particular morning spent at school with my daughter, Lily, was wonderful, emotional, funny and like all of them, a lift. However, they somehow still seem to sneak up and hammer me with emotional rights and lefts that I don't see coming.

I've got a seventh-grade jock who wears an 11 ½ Nike and a fourthgrade beauty who practically runs our house. I'm 13 years into this father thing and was visiting the same school for the countless time, now for a third child. But I still underestimate the incredible power of the Second Grade Assembly.

It was a tough winter. No news there. My tale ranks nowhere near the top of many fathers I know dealing with job loss, illness or divorce. But I was in a funk. Not dealing well with the death of my own dad in November and stressed out over the economy and business. It was a perfect opportunity for a dose of perspective, courtesy of my youngest daughter and her incredible teacher.

Like many of you, I had a teacher who left a permanent, positive stamp. It was fourth grade, 34 years ago. Now it's happening again as a parent. We've been privileged to have two kids bask in the daily glow of Gabrielle Gelinas at the Newman Elementary School in Needham. I can't possibly convey here the many ways this gifted, warm teacher has touched the hearts and minds of Kathryn and Lily. I trust and hope you are experiencing something similar along the way.

On this particular morning my proud second-grader was showing off math and science skills, logic, spelling, drawing, design and vocabulary all learned through the magic of one author's books. But I think I walked past the cafeteria and out to my car as the real student that day. Once again, I got a huge helping of swallow-hard-on-whatreally matters. It's amazing how often I need that course. Nothing I do in life will compare to being the father of Lily Charter. And Kathryn Charter. And Ryan Charter. The rest is just details.

My days, like yours I'm sure, are filled with big challenges. I'm learning all the time. But I didn't know "the Red Eye Tree Frog's eyes are so bright they ward off predators." Don't you feel better knowing our second-graders do? I feel better again just reflecting on that morning. And watching that video.

Happy Father's Day.

Gareth

Gareth Charter

Gareth Charter is Publisher of baystateparent. Watch the video of the second grade assembly on our baystateparent Facebook page. Search "baystateparent Magazine."