We've Been Busy!

This is the latest craft of choice by the kiddos in our household...duct (or is that duck?) tape anything!
And then of course there are the letters to Santa.

Earlier in the week we attended an awards banquet for our son who is in high school. He was being recognized along with other high school students for his grade point average. It was an interesting and fun evening. Everything was well planned and very organized.

When the students who are Seniors this year were given their certificate, they had a teacher standing with them. After receiving their certificate, each student stepped to the podium with a large plaque and then said that the teacher standing with them had been their most influential teacher in their school career. After saying why that teacher had been most influential, they presented the plaque to the teacher. It was all so very touching to this sentimental mom who feels her emotions and the emotions of others quite deeply.

The Seniors were so poised and explained themselves well. Of course, there were a few clowns who had the entire audience laughing.

I must tell you to the best of my ability what one young lady said about a teacher.

The student said she had never had this woman for a teacher. She had interacted with her through club and extra-curricular involvement. The teacher was so caring and truly dedicated to all she did. She had inspired this student to be a better person and do all she could to achieve to her highest potential. Again, I am paraphrasing. BUT...here's the heart breaker. The student said, "Mrs. "Jane Doe" has never received 'A Most Influential Teacher Award' and I am so pleased to be the first student to ever present her with one, because Mrs. 'Jane Doe' teaches Special Education."

Isn't that absolutely touching? Teachers give of themselves everyday to build up the lives of their students, not just in learning ways. I know several teachers well. I have siblings and in - laws who are teachers. But because of the way our educational system and grading system is structured, those students who struggle to achieve the grading standards set forth by the state, will not have the opportunity in a setting specifically like this, to say thank you to Jane or John Doe who pours into them day after day.

One of my cousins was a Special Education teacher. Oh how she loved her students. They were her whole life. A few years ago late in October she was diagnosed with cancer and by mid- November she was gone. Her students were devastated. They never had a chance to stand at a podium and with pride present her with a plaque, but I believe that teachers don't teach because they expect plaques and acknowledgement. They teach because they love seeing others learn and grow in ways that would be impossible otherwise.

My first grade teacher. Read about her here.

You know, I have those constant reminders that this moment is all we are truly blessed with to make a difference, to live life to the fullest. I don't want to waste it. I hope I haven't.

Love, Rachel