Happy (almost) weekend, lovelies!
The past few mornings have been spent at my new part time job for the semester, and I couldn’t be happier! I am substituting at an elementary school that I have subbed at on many occasions, with students that have become my own. I work in the library for about an hour and then the rest of the morning is spent supervising in various classrooms while the teachers take their breaks. It sounds rather unglamorous, and if it had been any other school, I would have turned my nose up at the job.
But to walk into the building and immediately be greeted with hugs and enthusiasm from little smiling faces, for a teacher, there is no better feeling in the world! Knowing that somehow, you have made a lasting impression on a student, that these children, no matter how much you challenge them, have come to respect and even love you…priceless.
Something that has been on my heart all day is something that one of my students said during lunch. This little boy, who is in the third grade, is one of the sweetest students I have ever had in a classroom. He has some learning and developmental disorders, nothing too severe, just makes him a littler slower and a bit talkative. A classmate sitting next to him asked him what his daddy’s name was (the students had been discussing who was related to who and how), and at first he responded with his mother’s name. The classmate asked him again, and the little boy responded with the saddest words I have ever heard, but I know are so common: “I don’t have a daddy”.
Despite the weather sneaking back up into the 80s today, Fall made up for it by dropping a few leaves from the trees.
It breaks my heart to think of how many of my students are without a parent or two. I have a couple of students at this school whose parents have both died.
More than one student.
I have a student whose five year old brother was in the car when his father was shot.
And then there are the students who have at least one parent in jail, or had been in jail before.
Or have been abused.
Or neglected.
Students who are refugees from war-torn countries like the Congo and still have a father or a grandmother still in that country.
I may only be a substitute teacher, but if it means loving on these kids who not get a hug otherwise, my morning was well spent.
The Deets:
If you are still reading this, I am so sorry for the sadness of this post, it was not my intention to sit down and plunk out a piece to make us feel guilty for our blessed lives. To be honest, this makes me even more thankful for the wonderful family I grew up with, and for the loving husband who I know will make a wonderful father someday. This outfit I have on is what I wore to school yesterday, and as I was sitting here at the computer trying to think of what to write, that incident came to my mind.
What do I want you to take away from this? I don’t really know. Maybe to just love your children, whether they be your flesh and blood, or students in your classroom. You never know if or when you will make a difference in someone’s life, or even how big it might be, but you do make a difference. Never stop trying to reach the difficult ones, the ones who try everything to cause trouble or make your day beyond frustrating. More times than not, they are crying out for love and attention and they are the ones who really need it the most.
On a MUCH lighter note, even though the weather crept back up into the 80s yesterday, Fall made up for it by dropping some leaves from the trees. Oh how I LOVE IT when the leaves start changing and fall to the ground. Seeing them in small piles on the sidewalk helped to cheer up my pensive mood. There is something about fall air and the colors that refreshes the senses and soothes the soul. I think I need to take a walk outside more often. 🙂
Have a wonderful rest of your week, and I promise tomorrow’s post will not be quite as heavy as today’s. 😉
God put you in that school for a reason Whitley. Those kids need you. There are so many kids who need the love of grown ups and Jesus in this world. I find myself being terribly sad about that too. But if you can love those kids who God puts in your path, you have done His work. Love your shoes too friend!! Susan
God put you in that school for a reason Whitley. Those kids need you. There are so many kids who need the love of grown ups and Jesus in this world. I find myself being terribly sad about that too. But if you can love those kids who God puts in your path, you have done His work. Love your shoes too friend!! Susan
It's crazy to know what so e of our students go though. I'm sure you'll do a great job loving them while you can. Also, love today's look, you look super pretty!
Ginny
I can relate! I have sooo many students going through hard times. Its hard to see but makes your job so rewarding to be able to help in any way you can! You look fabulous!
Xo, Kahana
abeautifullife42.blogspot.com
It is so eye opening being a teacher and heart breaking at times too. I'm sure your students are lucky to have you! Love this look with the polka dots and blazer, so cute! Thanks for sharing your look with Three-fer Thursday!
xo Bethany
http://www.perfectlycoutured.com
Your job sounds like such an inspiration! I know how it feels, too, having once taught young kids in college 🙂 As for the outfit, love the jeans and your shoes 🙂 Looking amazing!
Abby
Life in the Fash Lane
Your job sounds like such an inspiration! I know how it feels, too, having once taught young kids in college 🙂 As for the outfit, love the jeans and your shoes 🙂 Looking amazing!
Abby
Life in the Fash Lane