The Hearts of Kids

I have had so many people say to me, "Why don't you just take the rest of the year off?"  I know they're looking out for me, thinking the extra rest would be best.  Though for me, getting to end the year with my kids would be the best thing.  I tell you, I have said so many times, this year especially, how much I LOVE my job. I truly do.  I loved it before any of this happened.  Teaching is the best. It can also be so extremely challenging, don't get me wrong, but it is so, so much fun and so rewarding.  I have taught so many grade levels and loved them all, but the past two years in 5th grade, I absolutely LOVE going to work each day.  I have found the place where I belong.  So the thought of missing the entire rest of the year with my kids makes me so, so sad. I really, really hope that isn't the case, and I'm feeling pretty optimistic that I'm going to get back for the last couple weeks with them.

This. This is why. This came in the mail today from one of my sweet students.  This is what I have waiting for me back at school.  Kids like this, with hearts like this.  Who wouldn't want to get back to that? Is this not just the most thoughtful, heartfelt, caring thing? Seriously.  I messaged her mom immediately to let her know what an incredible child she has.  Now,  I don't feel right keeping this poor child's money. I'll find a way to get it back to her. But the thought behind this reminds me so much of why I do what I do, why I love it so much, and why I have the greatest job in the world.  Who wouldn't want to spend their days with kids with hearts like this? I was all set to write about my recovery today, and I might later, but this won for now.  It needed to be shared.  We just don't often give kids enough credit.  We often hear about the negative.  But I tell you, kids are the very best and I thank my lucky stars that I have a job that allows me to hang out with people like this all day.