It Takes a Big Heart to Help Shape Little Minds

Today marks the end of Teacher Appreciation Week. I am sure, without a doubt, that this year has been the most challenging in any teacher's career. What we are going through in the education system is unprecedented. This blog post, though, is a particular shout out to one particular teacher, and, no, it isn't one of my teachers, although I could blog about many I have had. This is about the teacher that lives in my house with me. This school year, 2019/2020, was my daughter's first year as a teacher in the 2 year old class at her Dayschool. She has done an amazing job this year from the beginning in the way she made her room visually exciting (Most of the decorations were created and drawn by her), the clever crafts she did with her class of 8 2 year olds, and most importantly the love she shows each child every day. Teaching a 2 year old is not an easy job, and it is not for the faint of heart. If you are a parent, think back to the days when your child was 2 and walking and everything they were getting into, and, oh yes, potty training. Now imagine you have 8 of those little munchkins! Yeah, I thought so. I'm not saying there aren't days that are super hard for Georgi and nothing seems to go right, but she's there for those kids every day. When all of this Corona Virus stuff hit, it was a real game changer. The school closed, but the teachers still needed to provide something for their classes. That's a little bit easier if you have a child older than 2. Long distance or remote learning makes a little more sense. Two's thrive on hugs and movement and face to face contact. Georgi stepped up to the plate and poured through Youtube videos of songs to match her theme for the week, made up Grab Bags with materials and ideas for the parents to do with their children while everyone was at home. She sent out dance party suggestions, and even had me guest star on a video link to Youtube as Mother Goose on her week about Nursery Rhymes. She cares deeply for each child. Even if she wasn't my daughter, I would be thrilled if she were teaching my child or grandchild. It's a hard thing to let go of that precious cargo and trust someone else to take care of them. Georgi earns that trust every day! She dries tears, and fixes boo-boos, acts silly, and yes, also teaches them how to be decent little humans because that's part of loving too! These 8 little people will grow into some great students, but better yet kind people, and if they don't it won't be because they didn't have a great foundation. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, Georgi. You deserve so much more than thanks!

Tonight I Am Sad

There is a song from Wicked that as soon as I hear the first few notes of the introduction, I start to cry. The song is For Good. The beginning lyrics from that song come to mind tonight. They are: "I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them." This afternoon I found out that a wonderful man from my church passed away on Monday. He had been sick for some time, but he was still very young, only 61. His name was Rick Riviere, and the reason he "came into my life" was because he was my daughters' Sunday School teacher. I can count the times on one hand that we actually had a lengthy conversation, but in those few times he made a huge impression on me. He was that kind of person. You knew that every word he spoke to you was sincere and the truth. Both of my daughters adored him as a Sunday School teacher. His concern and passion for sharing his faith with young people was evident. I know he made an impact on my girls! Today, I was sitting in my office at work, and the news came by email. When I read it, I began to cry. And as most of us do when we lose someone we begin to think of the connection we had with them and the memories we share with them. This situation was no different, and as I rode home from work, I thought of another song by Ray Boltz called Thank You, and the tears started again. The particular verse that I thought of goes like this:  
"He said friend you may not know me now
And then he said, but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave"

Rick, I know that there are lines of people all around you right now thanking you for changing their life. I know you changed mine.