How do you thank people who make a difference in your child's life? How do you show gratitude to those who nurture, and encourage, and get to know the little intricacies that make your child special; those who, by profession, teach, but by pure generosity, share all of themselves?
I have had quite a few wonderful teachers in my life. There was my fifth grade teacher who I wrote to even after I was in middle school; her letters consoled me as I suffered through a summer with the chicken pox. There was my high school sophomore Illustrator teacher, who noticed my grades slipping one quarter; she cared to find out that my boyfriend and I broke up and she worked with me to raise my grade. There was my high school junior US History teacher, who didn't teach to test, but to challenge, and who is still one of my mentors today. And finally, there was my senior year English teacher, who I still think of daily, who told me that I could write if I wanted to, even after I told her I was going to join the Army and become a nurse.
I am very lucky to have these memories (and more!) of educators that have influenced me. When my Big G told me that he wanted to play the cello, the first thing I wished for was that he could have met my middle school strings instructor, who sat outside of her building, eating almonds and walnuts in between classes just to catch that San Franciscan foggy-sun. She gave me the opportunity to play the viola as a higher chair, since I was drowning in the sea of violins and losing my momentum.
So, when I meet great teachers, who not only has an authentic relationship with my child, but who also understands my views on education, I try to do a little more.
I know...bags. You all know how I feel about making bags. But it takes a village to raise a child, so all of the effort is worth it.
Although, I do have to say that absence must have made the heart grow fonder...making these bags was pure, pure bliss.
Happy Teacher Appreciation week to all of our Educators out there!
