Image Map

Sunday, June 10, 2012

You Will Never Believe This!

So let me tell you about my Friday. My favorite parent volunteer asked me if a few parents could come in to speak to me right before I started class. I told her that would be fine and my radar did not even go off. I am way too anxious and self focused for that. I bring the kids in the room and sit down and she comes marching in with most of  the families from my class. I am flabbergasted but still clueless. Then she tells me to sit down because she has something to say. She makes this beautiful speech about me and naturally I start to lose it right in front of the kids. She hands me these orchids and card and I am speechless. They are spectacular and I read this card out loud and was filled with emotion. I was choking.  Inside was a gift card to a restaurant and I am thinking to myself that this was too much for them to spend on me. Okay, so she finished her speech and everyone is flashing their cameras at me  and I am so touched. Naturally I think we are done and I tell the parents how much I will miss them, the school, my partner, blah, blah and this parent tells me to sit down. She's not done. So I do what I am told. 



She hands me a small box and I can't believe there is more to open. I can barely breathe from all the emotions I am feeling but I do not want to make a total scene in front of my kids so I work at keeping it together. This is what was in the box. I was shocked out of my mind and overwhelmed.  Now I know we are done but she tells me no and to sit down for more.


I think we are done and she tells me no and the parents start laughing!




This is so over the top that I have no words.


Just so you understand, I work in a Title I school. I took time to live in the moment.  I looked around at my last group of parents and just tried to take it all in. The smiling faces of the children and the love and sacrifice of these parents will be burned in my memory forever.  I am blessed.

28 comments:

Camille said...

... and we are all blessed by you! Thank you for sharing with us. This must have been such an amazing moment for all of your families also. They must have been so filled with joy to do this for you.
Camille
An Open Door

Sarah Plum said...

I believe it. You are just that special -- to all of us. I feel extremely lucky to have found you on this little slice of Internet, as you've given me inspiration and confidence as a student teacher... and now as a second grade teacher.

Lorena said...

Totally wonderful! The love and excitment in that room was at its max.

Lorena

Amy C said...

Wow! What a great group of parents! You have obviously touched their lives!

Susan said...

I am so glad your parents took the time to let you know how much they appreciate and love you. I don't think parents realize how much a simple "thank you" or a nice card means to teachers. Wow..what a great surprise!!!
www.kindergartenisthebest.blogspot.com

Ashley said...

Wow! How amazing! I am so glad that your families took the time to tell you how much they appreciated you. That is defiantly why teachers work as hard as they do. Thank you for being an amazing teacher and an amazing inspiration in the blog world.

Ashley

Miss Kindergarten said...

Sweetest gifts ever for the sweetest kindergarten teacher ever! I don't think you fully understand the impact you make on others!!!

Shannon said...

Oh Dear Fran,
You are one of the most deserving teachers out there. Those gifts are absolutely beautiful, those families must have been so grateful for everything you do for their children.

We are all lucky to know you! Thank you for sharing your story with us and know that you are amazing and worth it :0)

Vickie said...

How very sweet of them!! I know you don't do what you do for the gifts, but just the fact that they were so thoughtful to get everyone organized, come to school, and give you the gifts as well as sweet words, etc. is so heartwarming!
Vickie

Kristin said...

This is fabulous! You deserve it!!!!!
I agree with Hadar. I don't think you understand the impact you have. I love this!!!!!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely things for these families to do. You have blessed me and my students with your creativity and selflessness. I have wished to teach next door to you, so that I could try each day to do what you do. I have on my wish list every creation you have made and or posted. Thank you for being Kindergarten Crayons. I hope you will continue to mentor us out here in blogland.

THYordan@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I'm glad they could give you a physical manifestation of all the gratitude those of us out here in cyberland feel for your efforts in helping us all be better teachers.

Chrissy said...

You totally deserve all of it! I love that they gave you something lasting; the gifts will never go out of style and will endure!

Do a happy dance! :-) ReadWriteSing

Lisa R. said...

How wonderful is that?!? This will be a year that you will remember and treasure always. You are an inspiration to so many of us!

Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure

2 Crazy Texas Teachers said...

Wow! I teared up just reading your post! I can't imagine how you kept it together.

Laura said...

They-Love-You! What a precious experience! And so great you just stopped to take it in! I love how excited the parents were! Thank you for sharing what is sure to be such a special memory!!

Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade

Cindy Foreman said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes! What an amazing impact you have had, not only on those babies but their parents as well. BTW I LOVE LOVE LOVE your purse and wallet!!! I am a Coach nut and I am SO jealous LOL!

Meredith said...

yes, you are blessed...and very deserving!

Jessica Laurine said...

I'm almost in tears! How incredibly sweet of them to be so generous. You've clearly made an impact on your kiddos.

Jessica
The Littlest Scholars

Cupcake said...

That's awesome!! You deserve it, girl!!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher

Idalia T. said...

It is obvious that your community LOVES YOU and you are only getting back a little of what you have given your families over the years....How fortunate to be in such a place. I cried just reading your post!! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful moment with us all!!!

Leslie said...

So excited that you were appreciated! What fun! Enjoy your gifts and special words!
-Leslie @KindergartenWorks

Freckleteacher said...

Congratulations on being so honored and appreciated! You deserve it Fran and I am sure the parents and children are feeling really great about surprising you with such a special tribute. Love your purse and wallet!

What a great way to end your time in the classroom and begin your time helping students in other ways.
See you in Vegas!!!

Cindy said...

What a wonderful, memorable day for you and very much deserved. It's clear from your blog that you are an extraordinary teacher and I am sure you will be missed so much by your families. What they took the time to plan and coordinate to let you know how special you are to each of them is a testament to the impact you've had on their lives! ENJOY!

Linda said...

That's so cool! You definitely deserve it!

Annie Moffatt said...

Oh Fran you TOTALLY deserve that:) They WANT you to remember them:) You will carry them all with you always! What a special gift!!

Rachelle said...

Ohmygoodness!!!!! HOW LOVELY!!!! Fran, you deserve it all and SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KathyC said...

Sniff sniff sniff...wahhhhhhhhh

You have FABULOUS parents!!!

http://kathismath.blogspot.com/