Today, as I sat in church contemplating how dispensable I really am within my vocation, a woman behind me touch my shoulder. I turn to her and recognized her as one of the mother's of a summer school student I taught last summer. She said hello and paused. I immediately asked her how her son was doing (he was in summer school because he was having serious reading struggles). She said he was doing so much better. She then said that she was meaning to talk to me for awhile but was unable to find just the right moment. She then started to get teary eyed and proceeded to tell me how much she appreciated all I had done for her little boy, for her as a mother, and for the amazing job she thought I did when teaching her son. I was quite flabbergasted at how sincere and grateful this mother was as she shared her feelings with me. I thanked her for sharing with me and said it was perfect timing, that I was just thinking of how easily I could be replaced by another. She then said some very sweet words and we separated.
I was left feeling so grateful. Yes, I am dispensable....there are many great teachers that can, and would, step in if I wasn't able to teach any more....but while I am in the position at least I am able to make a difference in the lives of others. It is a hard thing to want to have a family so badly that your very soul aches to know it's not to be so.....but at least there is some good I can play in this world. I am so grateful to that sweet mother for reminding me of that role. If I can't have my own kids right now, then I will be the kind of teacher I want my kids to have. I will push, educate, empower, love and motivate every child that enters my classroom and heart. I am so grateful for a career that allows me to be around children all the time. I know they are so precious, vulnerable, and full of life. So grateful for people who are willing to express their gratitude to others, it really does make a difference.
