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