Most would be super excited about this but I think she's honestly a little sad. Getting paid to do something you absolutely LOVE is quite hard to top. My mom had such a passion for what she did- oh yea... she was a teacher=) She taught 3rd grade for like 20 years and then started teaching GATES (the gifted program). Her students LOVED her and she loved them. Like I've talked about before....my mom has a HUGE heart. She's so considerate and giving and goes out of her way doing sweet things for others ALL THE TIME. Who wouldn't love a teacher like this?!
Since private schools always had those "teacher conference" days or whatever and let the kids out-my mom would ask my sister and I if we wanted to go to school with her for the day. I always did. I loved it! I would sit in her classroom and "assist" while she taught. I thought I was cool=) I remember getting jealous quite a bit because kids always threw themselves all over my mom- hugging her, playing with her hair, etc. We couldn't walk 1/2 way down the hallway without having to stop so some kid could hug her neck. My mom wouldn't even let me hang on her like that! So...I was jealous!
My mom periodically made Heidi and I clean out our toys, clothes and shoes-usually forcing us to give stuff away.....then she would tell us how much it meant to the kids she gave it to. That's when I figured out-OUR STUFF was going to HER STUDENTS! Looking back, I was ridiculous for getting mad over it.
On SEVERAL occasions my mom even brought students home with her. She would take us all to get sonic slushes and cheese sticks then home to play and do homework. Most of the kids she brought home were kids that needed it (so she tried to explain)....like they needed some 1-on-1 time with someone and my mom just loved being that special person to them.
Here it is...years later...(like LOTS of years later) and my mom has kept up with most of her "special students"- attending their graduations, weddings and hanging up pictures of their kids all over our refrigerator. She is an AMAZING! I remember her receiving "teacher of the year" a couple of times but I don't even think that says enough about her-----
As her jealous daughter, I can honestly say....the kids that have had her in the past benefited for sure. She was such a wonderful, sassy, teacher that touched a lot of lives and made learning fun!
Last Monday, her school hosted a retirement celebration for the 7 teachers that are retiring. My entire family showed up to show our love and support...I think we were a bit overwhelming but I know she truly appreciated us all being there.
My moms aunt Sally, nephews Carter and Wailes, Aunt Glynn and dad
Moms sister, Diane and brother Jerry
The 7 retirees'
Hampton & Aideynn entertaining us all
Niece Caroline and nephews Carter & Wailes
The Maynord Family
Aideyn & Heidi
We are proud of you Ann!!
Dad, Heidi & I gave her a beautiful piece of art that she seemed to have loved!
Happy Retirement Mom!!!
2 comments:
Yay!!!! Congrats to your sweet Momma. This made me cry. My Momma just retired this past year and it sounds like they are just alike :)
Your mama set a high standard for the teachers who follow her. Such a beautiful tribute from you!
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