“My Students My Children”

I met a teacher Monday to Friday, every week for 10 months. We used to have great conversations about everyday life. One Friday before Mother’s Day we stood talking. As the conversation was ending she said, “Happy Mother’s Day.”

“I said, “Thank you. The same to you. I hope you have a wonderful day.”

She said sadly, “Mrs. Joseph I don’t have any children.

I said, “How many children are in you class?”

“30 children.”

“I said, “Biologically you don’t, but daily you deal with 30 different attitudes. You spend time and do more for these children than their mothers. You edify —improving their knowledge. You nurture — Play the role of a mother as care giver and protector. You encourage them to be successful, you quiet their arguments, you make sure they are fed, you make sure they seek health care when they are ill. I can go on and on about what you do for them. She looked at me astounded.

“I never thought about teaching in that way. It was work. You’ve opened my eyes. Thank you. I am going to take all the Mother’s Day post cards that I received from my students…”

“Not students, children,” I said.

“Yes my children’s cards, and read them. I have five years of cards to read, so I have to go...