Teaching Moments

Today was day two of semester finals for my students, and it started off normal until one student asked me if I got the message from his mom. Typically when parents call it means that there is something wrong and they are waiting for your speedy response. So, being the responsible teacher I am, I checked my voice mail right after getting the students started on their test. I should have waited till I was alone, because as I listed to this grateful mother tell me what an amazing teacher I have been to her son, I began to cry. To fully understand my tears, you have to hear this students story.

I've had James (as I will call him for privacy) as a student for two years know. Last year about halfway through the school year I found out that he is a survivor of Leukemia, and has been cancer free for a few years. However, he has an autoimmune disease and has transfusions once a month that wipe him out. I never could tell when he has his transfusions unless he tells me, because he was such a hard worker in class. Later in the year we got news that James' dad died while back east for the death of his grandma. He lost two people in one week. As if all this was not enough, this year James' mom just had to have a hysterectomy because they found cancer in her uterus. This poor boy has been through so much and I feel like there is nothing I can to help.

Part of his mom's message was, "I know a phone call is not much of a way to thank you, but I want you to know how much you mean to my boy." This is about the time I lost it. I never realized the power behind something as simple as being a supportive teacher and recognizing him for his improvements,could mean so much. That message is the best thank you gift I have ever received. I guess the simple things in life really are the best.