With school just beginning for many, and parents justifiably worried about the year and their kids, I want to share with you a note I recently found from Mrs. Taylor, Ted’s 4th grade Math and Science teacher.
Discovering this note was like finding buried treasure.
I hadn’t seen it in well, let’s do the math.
Ted went to 4th grade in 2000-2001, I probably filed the note shortly after the school year ended in May 2001,
2012 – 2001 = 11 years.
And as I read the note, I cried.
I cried because in my hand I was holding love.
Mrs. Taylor was one of the teachers who GOT Teddy. And when people GOT Teddy they…
saw his uniqueness,
saw his ability,
saw his creativity,
saw his heart and they loved him.
I want to share this with you and tell you that yeah, we sure had our share of dud teachers, but we also had the Mrs. Taylors and when we did, my god, the difference. One teacher, one person who understands our kids can make all the difference. They did for Teddy.
Let me write that again, and in bold, and in a bright color, and in big letters, because it’s really, really important. And if everyone strived to be that kind of person, imagine, just imagine, what school and the world would be like…
One teacher, one person, who understands our kids CAN make ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
It is my sincerest wish that each and every one of your children get to experience having a Mrs. Taylor this school year.
And now, my buried treasure, Teddy’s end of the school year note…
5-31-2001
Dear Teddy,
Thank you so much for all the gifts this year. I’ll always feel special when I wear my angel earrings and angel necklace. I could not feel more blessed because you, my dear Teddy, were the best gift of all. You have taught me a lot. I use to pray for patience. I know I’ve become more tolerant than ever. You have helped me to become a better listener. I also know more than ever why God puts certain people in certain places. “To learn to love.”
Love,
Mrs. Taylor
p.s. I LOVE YOU
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Lovely, simply lovely.
Thank you Angie. It is lovely and that is why I wanted to share it… and be part of putting more loveliness like Mrs. Taylor into the world.
Oh please let Emma’s new school and teachers love her as much as Mrs. Taylor loved Teddy. Please, please, please…
Thank you for sharing this. It gives me a sliver of HOPE for Em and her new school!
Ariane, It really, truly my sincerest hope that happens for Emma and for you. 12 years I watched teachers and administrators and it is PROFOUND how attitude and openness made a difference. And, AND the school year went by SO MUCH EASIER for everybody!!! It simply boggles my brain why anyone would want it any other way!
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