I
remember when I became a parent how quickly I fell in love with Luke. I had
imagined, of course, what it would be like to have a baby. I loved him before
he was born. But something about looking at his eyes took my breath away. And
every day that passed found me more and more in love with this tiny being.
And then
we had Liam. I was anxious on how I would be able to love both equally,
although you are always assured that you will. I worried about Luke, would he
feel that we were not there for him as we took care of the new baby? Sure
enough, fell in love immediately and my heart was big enough for two.
At some point during the raising of these two little boys I realized, if I did my job well, they would leave me. I mean that’s what we’re working towards, right? That they will grow up and not need me? Talk about a punch in the gut. As the hormones calmed down I knew that I was right, but it is as it should be. And I’m ok with it.
I watch them becoming boys, and pre-teens. I am so proud of who they are. I love spending time with them, talking about dreams, friends, books. They are the best parts of my day.
At some point during the raising of these two little boys I realized, if I did my job well, they would leave me. I mean that’s what we’re working towards, right? That they will grow up and not need me? Talk about a punch in the gut. As the hormones calmed down I knew that I was right, but it is as it should be. And I’m ok with it.
I watch them becoming boys, and pre-teens. I am so proud of who they are. I love spending time with them, talking about dreams, friends, books. They are the best parts of my day.
The same
holds true for teaching. I have the honor of meeting these people when they are
around ten years old. They are just on the cusp of becoming teens. So much lies
ahead for them. And, if I do my job as their teacher well, they will become
independent.
This
weekend I had the pleasure of running into several former students. I saw two
seventh graders and one sixth grader while running errands. A high school
junior bagged my groceries for me. And at the library I saw a college freshman,
home on break. I was able to talk to them all. Ask what they are reading, how
they were enjoying school.
The
college freshman told me I should read a certain book I was considering, that
it was one of his favorites. When I arrived home I ordered it. I remember his
reading habits and trust his recommendations. After ordering I sent him a
Facebook message to thank him and to, once again, tell him how proud I was of
him. His message back ended with this line:
Thank
you for educating me. I think you own a part of my success.
No, thank you. Thank you to all of my former students. I wish you
all the best in this life. I am so grateful that my heart is big enough not
only for those two little boys I adore at my home, but all of my “kids” – at home
and at school. Watching you grow up from the kids I met in fourth/ fifth grade
into the adults you become is an honor.
If we do our job right and well, both as parents and teachers, they will soar. I was once given a piece of wisdom, "Plant the seed. You may not be around to watch it blossom, but plant anyway." It is such a gift to see what our seeds become.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful compliment from that college student! Great post.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Katherine. I am so proud of my children, who have grown up to be happy successful contributors to the world, & I too love to stay in touch with former students. It's a pleasure to see them & hear how they are doing. It's nice to 'hear' those words that your college freshman sent you, isn't it? And I especially loved that you said you trusted his reading choices-pretty great to remember! That's what makes you a good teacher. Thanks for telling the stories!
ReplyDeleteI loved the first paragraph. And then I kept reading. Tears in my eyes as I continued to read about your love as a mother and a teacher. Thank you for your eloquent and thoughtful post this morning. I agree, it truly is an honor to share the lives of so many children. I feel so blessed.
ReplyDeleteYou expressed so honestly the thoughts and feelings many of us experience as our roles shift and stretch, drawing us at once closer to others with the knowledge that our success will result in a distancing between us. We are blessed to live in a time of technology that minimizes the distance in reuniting teacher and student. Thank you for this heartfelt post.
ReplyDelete