Another Heart Melter

I had my first parent helper today! She came in a made 3 games for me, then took 2 more home! It was fabulous! She's going to stop by a couple times a week and either make games or read/work on math facts with the kids. I'm so excited to have her!!!

She was telling me today that her daughter had a rough 3rd grade year. I asked her why and she said that her daughter suffered from severe anxiety, to the point they ended up in the ER and almost medicated her. My heart was breaking, I don't wish that kind of pain on anyone but especially a child. Mom was saying that she is so much better this year and just loves coming to school and is not anxious anymore. She goes home happy and is excited to come to school the next day. At this point (of course) I'm almost crying. Mom said that over the weekend her daughter asked "Mom, do you think God gave me a good teacher this year so I could feel better?" I almost lost it. Mom was tearing up and told me she is so thankful that her daughter is in my class and she hasn't seen her this happy in so long. It felt so amazing. It was one of those moments that made me remember why I do what I do. After that all Heck broke loose in my room, but at the end of the day, I thought about that mom and daughter and couldn't help but smile, and know that I'm in the most amazing career and I really do make a difference. I never thought it could happen so quickly.

I met this mom at meet the teacher day and she said that she had requested me, which at the time I thought was a huge honor. Of course I still feel that way but she elaborated today. She used to work at the school and was talking at the end of the year to our former principal. She was asking who would be best for her daughter to have in 4th grade. Maria, the former principal, recommended me. When she told me that, I stopped breathing. It was a huge honor to know that the principal that I knew for a year thought that highly of me. I was literally thrust on her after getting RIFed the first year, I knew that she thought I was pretty good, but I didn't know how good! I was amazed.

Needless to say, I had a heart melting day. That's 2 stories since Thursday that have almost had me in tears (which I know is not shocking). It's the little things like that, that make me love kids all the more. I am truly blessed to be in such a rewarding profession, I just need to make sure that I continue to remember that daily.

In other news, keep some of my kiddos in your thoughts and prayers. I have some kids who are going to start meeting with counselors for family problems and anger issues. It breaks my heart to hear the stories they tell and know that I'm the only hug they will get every day. I'm hoping that I can help them with the support of the great staff at my school!