The Reason Teachers Are Important To Your Kids
The importance of your children’s teachers explained in one heartfelt moment…
Marquette, MI – A father shares a heartfelt moment with his daughter that sums up one big reason why teachers are important to your kids!
Yesterday was the last day of school in Marquette, Michigan. The night before last, just after bedtime, my daughter was crying. Having spent close to two thousand hours over the past 168 days in that low-slung brick building up the road, instead of rejoicing her coming summer vacation and all the carefree days it would bring; my little was girl mourning.
As I knelt beside her bed, stroking her hair and listening to her share her grief, I was moved to tears myself. Already in her little life there has been challenge and loss, pain and confusion. She’s navigated the troubled waters that children of divorce know so terribly well, carrying the weight of that Original Loss with her bravely though not always easily. A whip-smart, kind-hearted, loving and creative little soul, she has managed to learn about acceptance through the pain. She wakes with a smile, so seeing her headed off to sleep with sorrow in her eyes left me feeling helpless and heartbroken.
Why was my little girl crying herself to sleep on the night before the last day of school? She was crying because after nearly two thousand hours of consistent kindness, presence, support, guidance and love; tomorrow would be the last day she would spend with her teacher. Every week day during the school year, when I let go of my daughter’s hand, kissed her goodbye and told her “l love you sweetheart, have a great day!”, I turned her over to the care of a cadre of some of the most important people in her life.
In the stories of her day throughout the year were reflected excitement, admiration, awe, respect, honor and simple love. My daughter’s teacher demonstrated compassion, understanding and respect for her as a whole person. My little girl’s teacher was my indefatigable ally in the most important journey of my life. Her teacher had been the most constant, caring and consistent presence in her life beyond her family and now in the morning she had to say goodbye.
Her grief wrapped itself around my heart and all I could do was hug her and tell her I know it hurt. I know it hurts. My little girl will get over that pain. She will dance and she will sing and she will swim and surf and camp and learn to ride her bike this summer. She will do all the things that little girls do on summer vacation and the sadness of school’s end will fade.
What I know will never fade though, is the mark that her teacher left upon her. The other thing that won’t fade, for me, is the gratitude and recognition of the importance of my little girl’s teacher in her life and my own. As the summer vacation brings us golden sunrises, laughter, barbecues and fun; I hope we will all do our part to honor that importance. I hope as Marquette’s teachers continue to soldier on in their indispensable chosen paths despite their ongoing contractual struggles, we will all remember the most critical assets a school system has.
Mrs. Flanigan first grade teacher at Superior Hills Elementary School in Marquette, MI.
Mrs. Flanigan of Superior Hills Elementary first grade class of 2013/14 – Thank you. Thank you and all the other teachers who continue to dedicate your lives and your love to our children. Hang in there, smile, hold onto those little faces, those smiling and loving memories as you find some time to relax and enjoy this summer. You are appreciated.
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