Gina,
You are welcome. You received what you have given to others. You and Sylvia have raised interesting points about me not showing up in my statement. When I respond to student posts, I deliberately write to the student about their content, and I don't put in what I think because it's about them and not me. Now you both have me rethinking. Along with compassion, I would add valuing and validating your students for who they are and what can do now and for what their potential can be.
Oh, for more time before tomorrow comes.
Out of confusion comes clarity.
Leonne