i went for a visit
on a day off from teaching
to teach
in my youngest daughter’s class
where she is a first year teacher
and
on my way
i was overwhelmed
when
i thought about
her class
so young
and
so many of them
who
live
amid
poverty
and
violence
and
hunger
and
chaos
and
i wanted to
stop
and
buy them
everything
for many
have nothing
but
when i got there
we shared
a meeting
a holiday lesson
paint and glitter
stickers
books
and
hugs
and
as i
sat on the floor
with them
and read stories
and told them
about the holiday
and sang songs
and played games
and helped them
one on one
and watched
the stronger ones
help the others
who were struggling
it was clear
that no matter
their circumstances
first and foremost
they were still children
who needed attention
and love
and support
and
with kind hearts
who happen to be
in
tough situations
through no fault
of their own
and
some will sink
and
some will swim
and
rise above
and
my daughter
is someone
who is helping to
make that difference
for them
just by caring
and trying
and
giving her all
and then some
even in this
very challenging environment
and one said,
‘i never had a rainbow sticker before. i really love it so much.’
and
it was so small
but meant a lot to him
and they sat near me and braided my hair
and felt it
because it was different
and asked me questions
about their teacher
my daughter
‘does she have any sisters?’
‘you her mama?’
‘can you bring in your grandkids?’
and i realized
what a hero
my daughter is
each and every day
and
i was
overwhelmed
all over again
and
i could not
be prouder.
—-
ON HEROES WITHOUT CAPES
“when I was very young, most of my childhood heroes wore capes, flew through the air, or picked up buildings with one arm. they were spectacular and got a lot of attention.but as I grew, my heroes changed, so that now I can honestly say that anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.”
– mr. rogers
