What is it that drives us to travel across town, spending countless dollars—as well as minutes—for something like Café Rio…to see the newest Harry Potter movie…or to get the latest novel we’ve been waiting for?
It is because that in it, we find value. It is important to us.
I left school today, fully intending to go straight home, but as I was driving, I noticed two boys who were inline skating down the sidewalk in the opposite direction I was traveling. I at once recognized them both as students from my old school.
I gave a little honk of my horn, wondering what they were doing so far from home. As I continued to drive I noticed the waving hands of these two boys behind me, urging me to stop. I pulled to the curb and both boys skated up to my car.
“Hey, guys.” I said with a smile. “What are you up to?”
Chase (not his real name) looked back at me with a grin. “We were rollerblading to your new school to visit you.”
As the words came from Chase’s mouth, I found myself at a loss for words. These two boys were skating across town just to come by and say hello…and to tell me that they missed me at the old school.
After grilling them to make sure that they’d told their parents what they were up to, I sat down on the curb and talked with these boys for nearly an hour. They told me of their adventures of summer, and the teachers they now have this year. They also told me that they missed me.
I have to be honest. There are a lot of people I really do miss at my old school. Leaving was a hard thing, but it was time for me to move on…
After a while, I realized that it was time for me to go. I’d planned to be home long before this, and these boys needed to be heading home as well. However, the investment of time was worth it in the end for me. I bade the boys a cheery farewell; as I watched them heading the distance back toward their home, I couldn’t help but smile.
We all are willing to travel for that which has worth to us.
This post is not only for these two boys, but for all of those who travel this distance each and every day.
I am thankful to be worth the effort.
13 comments:
You have been their blessing and through them you have been blessed...
How heart warming, thank you for sharing.
You, my friend have touched the lives of these boys more than you know. But now you have an idea. I tip my hat to you and teachers everywhere. I know you could probably be earning a better living in another field, but you are doing what you love. You are molding our future. Like I said in a comment last week, if my wife & I had children, we would pray for teachers like you. Keep up the good work.
And you thought by moving you could get rid of the regular visitors. Sounds like you don't mind being found.
I am thankful for your effort that makes it worth it.
That's awesome and it doesn't surprise me. The fact that you stopped and stayed to talk to them for almost an hour speaks volumes. You could have just waved and went on your way but that's not you. This is just one example of why you are so great.
Well I can see their point!
excuse my french, but hell ya you are worth the effort! Teachers like you are 1 in a 1,000,000.283729284. (Have you taught that decimal place to your class yet?)
Why do you think so many students transfered from SV to be in your class?
As Tina Turner said;
"You're simply the best, better than all the rest."
Thank you for caring about each of your students. Thank you for being such a positive role model to them.
DOH!!!! I forgot to mentioned the title of your post made me remember the following song sung by Cake.
http://tinyurl.com/62subh
your blog is not showing up on my recently updated. I keep missing all your entries. I sad.
That's so cool! But you're an awesome dude!! ;)
I feel special that you came all this way for my wedding!!! I'm sure there were other benefits involved, but I am glad you ended up enjoying the time with us as well!! MISS YA!!
What? My kids rollerbladed to AE without telling me?! Oh wait... 2 boys. Whew.
They would come visit you everyday if I let them. (See how lucky you are that they have a mean mom?) You're just cool that way.
DV - That was a good way to put it...I do feel blessed.
Stephen - Thanks. It was a reminder of what kind of a difference teaching can make.
Nettle - I guess I should have moved farther away...well, I guess I don't mind being found after all.
Cari - Saw your boy again today in the lunchroom...he came up and offered to sit with me. Unfortunately, I was at the "big kids' table" so he wasn't able to.
Kris - I'm glad they came by...it really did make my day.
G&B - No, we didn't go quite that far into the decimal world...only to the millionths.
Wait, didn't Tina Turner also sing, "We don't need another hero"?
Anyhow, thanks for trusting me with yours. I'll have to check out the song.
Meg - Sorry you've been missing me...I do have to wonder, did you ever find the shoe?
Uncle D - It was great to see you guys again after so many years. I'll be honest though...I miss you guys too and am longing to come visit, however, time is not as abundant as it once was.
Gerb - They did those little...wait, oh, I guess it was someone else after all.
Just knowing that they'd want to come and visit means a lot. Thanks for being so mean.
Gosh, what a story. I wish you lived close enough that I could come watch you teach for a day. I bet I'd learn a lot!
Have I ever mentioned my brother teaches too? You remind me of him as far as your love of students is concerned. That is saying volumes about you as a teacher.
That's cool, it made my day even though I am days behind the actual blog.....Have a great one!
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