Teacher Gifts

At the end of each school year, teachers are frequently showered with gifts from students.  Lotions, candles, kid-made jewelry, and gift cards make their way into my hands during the final week of school.  I don't always use what I get, but I always appreciate the thought behind the gift.  And I can unabashedly say that I love getting gifts from students.  I love hearing from them prior to receiving the gift, "OOooohhh, Miss B., I got you a gift that you are going to looooove.  But I can't tell you what it is!"  Then the day I am presented with it, it ends up being a magnet with their picture glued on it. I LOVE that.  And there's no sarcasm behind that. I really do love that the gifts come directly from the heart.

But sometimes, there are gifts that really stand out over the course of your teaching career. Gifts that you will never forget, either because they are funny or because they are just so special.  Well, this year, I already received my gift that I will never forget.

So, I have this student who is a very quiet little girl.  She's not a diva, doesn't have an attitude, is not bossy, she simply is the kindest girl I think I have ever haf. The kindest.  She brings me breakfast sometimes (this week it was a Magic Bar that her mom made and a bowl of fresh fruit.) It's clear that her mom has an influence, but I appreciate that she is being taught to be a thoughtful person.

Today this little girl quietly came in with a pink gift bag.  I immediately screeched in my loud teacher voice, "OoooHhHHH my! Did you bring me breakfast again????"

"No," she replied meekly, "but this is for you."

"What is it?" I asked as I slowly pulled the tissue paper out of the way.

She smiled as I pulled out a PAIR OF SHOES!

"AHHHHHhhhhhHH!!!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING?" All of the sudden I forgot I was a grown up and a teacher and I screamed like a teenager who just received a passing glance from Robert Pattinson*.

"Get OUT OF HERE!!!!" and I almost said..SHUT UP- but I controlled myself and screamed, "These shoes are HOT!"and quickly put on the heels.  I catwalked out to the hallway where I started a commotion between both teachers and students and showed off my new gift.  I began hugging students and teachers- every one that walked by.  I was clearly overwhelmed and overjoyed and overreacting.  But truly- come on- when does a teacher, who loves shoes,  get a pair of heels that are just her style and her SIZE from a STUDENT???

She clearly cares. And loves me.  ::sigh::

And according to her (and to her mother's note) she picked them out all by herself. 

And on her final report card, under the behavior section, I can guarantee that this student will be getting a 4 (out of 4) for listening skills. She deserves it.  :P

*For those who are unfamiliar with this name, Robert Pattinson plays the part of Edward Cullen in the Twilight movie. Get with the program, already.