Broken record

After a long work day, a 7:45 am meeting and just one cup of coffee, I ended my day sitting on the bleachers of Memorial Stadium enjoying the football game and watching my students play a sport I do not understand. But one thing is for sure, they were happy I was there. It is cool to watch them smile and wave and say "ms you made it!" After they ask during class if I could "please go watch them play."

Last week, I went to watch the orchestra perform and the students (past and present) were super excited to see me. 

As I sat, watching my studens catch a football ball, I couldn't help but wonder and remember the times when I myself was a kid and I was performing in orchestra or choir or at a football game taking photos for the yearbook and not once ever seeing any of my teachers there. Then I thought of me and 10 years from now. Will those kids remember when a very tired and sleepy teacher sat there and watched them play football or watched them perform in orchestra? Will they remember the cheers and loud claps?

True, I like to go and make my presence and like to enjoy some free entertainment. But I also do it because as weird and strange as this may sound, I want them to know I care for them. These kids work hard in class and out when they perform. If I don't come back to teaching next year, at least I want to leave knowing that I did my part in the lives of those students. I was that annoying or funny teacher in class, but I also want to be remembered as that weird teacher that showed up to watch them perform and supported them.

Anyway, yesterday I framed the little flower Caleb gave me over the weekend.

I want to save it for him and remind him one day, that he gave me this flower. I don't think his 6-year-old mind knows or understands how much this means to me or how big of an impact this act has left me loving him even more. This act of kindness brought so much happiness to me. His quick, "here Tia for you," and handing it to me, putting a big smile on my face and melting like a candle at the sight of this act. If only he knew.

I am so tired. Yep, I am a broken record and I will probably feel this way until Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see family again. Until then, goodnight.