Sometimes the next time never comes. I wish someone had taught me that. Instead, I had to figure it out the hard way. Like everyone who has ever lived, I have had many, many last times that I never saw coming. This has become increasingly apparent to me as my son grows older and I reminisce with long-time friends and colleagues about great times that have long since passed. That is why today is a good time to remind us that our opportunity as parents, teachers, and leaders to impact the lives of children is upon us now, in the present. Yes, I know. We convince ourselves that our best days are ahead and that we can (and will) solve this problem or that one…
