Every once in a while, since I've been home sick, someone will ask me if I miss teaching and going to school each day. After 32 years it must be nice to stay in bed after 5:15 am. and not have ten thousand meetings (many of which accomplish little) as well as trying to multi-task a million small jobs and make sure you have your data base up to date etc. etc. And you think "yeah--I don't miss that at all". But, I think--I do miss the kids. But they are probably just fine and don't even realize I'm not there. Then out of the blue a note or in this case an e-mail will just touch your heart and let you remember how lucky you are to get to go to school each day, and that yes sometimes your efforts do make a difference in a child's life. I got one of those the other day, when I was feeling especially down and wishing this whole cancer thing wasn't a part of my life. I got a email from the wonderful Mom of a terrific girl, Elise. I had Elise for the last two years in my 3/4 looping class. She is just a gift--smart, kind, funny, unique the kind of student every teacher wishes they could have a whole room of just once in their career. She moved on to 5th grade this year--where I knew she would be successful. A few weeks ago, it was Open House night at our school. Not only do we get to meet the parents of our new students, lots of "alumni" students with younger siblings come back for a visit. That's always a favorite part of the evening for us--seeing all those old familiar faces coming back to reminisce and tell us how their new year is starting. After Open House night, I got the following e-mail from Virginia, Elise's Mom. I hope she doesn't mind my posting it here:
Nancy,
I have an angel of a daughter fast asleep with you in her heart.
We went to Sean's open house tonight. Elise was beyond excited to see you.
She had heard rumors of your health. In fact the other day I held my precious daughter in my arms as she sobbed.
She did the same tonight when you weren't there.
I have to say..once again...you have no idea what you did for my daughter or the magnitude of love she has for you. I'm not sure I have any idea either HA! But somewhere in third or fourth grade Elise made a life long connection to YOU!
She misses you and longs to see you.
UGH!!! I feel so stupid. You have cancer. A cancer that left and was never supposed to return. I just have a daughter who loves you to pieces and wants to hear from you.
Here goes......... could Elise write to you? Could you write back? Could she see you?
Tonight as we drove home from open house Elise said," I just wanted a hug from Mrs. Tufts,"
Elsie went to bed holding you in white healing light and I am doing the same.
Be well!
Thanks! Oodles of blessings!
Virginia
So for everyone who wonders why I teach--these rare gifts are the reason why--thanks Elise and Mom, you made my day--I'll fight on!
Hi,Mrs.Tufts I hope you get better soon.I hope I'll be able to volunteer in your classroom.I know I'll be able to see you in January.I miss you a lot. 5th grade isn't even close to how much fun I had in your class.You are the best teacher EVER,and I wish I was still in your class.Thank you about what you wrote about me. I will always remember that picture of me. Love,Elise
ReplyDeleteHI ALL,
ReplyDeleteHAPPY FALL. I KNOW IT WILL BE HAPPY BECAUSE IN SP[TE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS NANCY IS GOING TO GET BETTER HOPE THIS GOES THRU SEE I ALREADY SCREWED IT UP. OH WELL THE THOUGHT IS THERE . THINK OF YOU OFTEN ERHO AND BACK TO SCHOOL IN JAN, LUV, AUNT MARION HANG IN THERE.