To My Child’s Teacher

When I waved my child off on the first day of school, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would you really understand her? Would you appreciate her kindness and special personality? Would you be able to see the beautiful, unique person she really is?

I worried that my child would struggle with the pace, the schedule, the number of kids. I worried that she would get too much attention or not enough, or that you wouldn’t notice when she struggled and needed help. I wondered if she would be too outgoing for the classroom – causing a distraction, or perhaps too shy – and go unnoticed.

After a year of watching her bloom and grow under your care, I realize those worries were groundless.

You have coached her and complimented her. You have been her advocate, her counselor and her guide. You have prayed for her struggles and cheered for her successes. Your face lights up when you see her, and you always seem happy when she comes to give you a hug.

You have poured so much into her life.

You gave your time – after school, before school, weekends – nothing was ever really nine to five for you.

You gave your passion. Your desire for my daughter to succeed was second only to mine and her father’s – and you made it fun!

You gave your attention. You know her name. You know her favorite color and animal. You know her favorite subjects and the ones she isn’t really a fan of. You can identify her voice in a crowd of voices.

You gave your heart. You care about her worries. You feel sadness when she’s distressed and you smile when she’s excited. You love.

Thank you.

Thank you for doing what you do and for being who you are. Thank you for giving and giving and giving. Thank you for your encouragement and compassion, your correction and your grace. Thank you for caring for the child of my heart for all those hours she was with you.

Now my only worry is…what will we do next year without you?

Sincerely,

A Mom