Navy mom teachers

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Comment by Brenda Sue 1 day ago

Someone emailed this to me and I thought I would share it with all of you! Although I am also a teacher, I want to thank each of you for all the "hands you hold" throughout your careers.

THE HAND
by Steve Goodier


At first it sounded like a Thanksgiving story, but the more I reflected on it, the more appropriate it seemed for any time of the year. The way I heard it, the story went like this:

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.

When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.

Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and ministers really ministering and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the hand that reaches out.

Comment by SusanN ( Mom of Sailor Peter) on November 22, 2009 at 8:57am

Beth-our school district teased us with the whole week off at Thanksgiving for 2 years. Then they took it back this year so we are in school Monday and until 1:30 on Tuesday. It really seems senseless since we are in a military community and some of our families would like a week off to visit home. Hopefully they will see the "error of their ways" and put it back on the calendar
for next year! Enjoy your time off. I know it will be a WELL DESERVED rest! Happy Thanksgiving to all....

Comment by Beth proud mom of Garrett on November 22, 2009 at 6:23am

We made it to the Thanksgiving week! We had no bad weather days (due to hurricanes or tropical storms) so we have the whole week off! I feel bad for my fellow teachers who have to corral the energy of excited kids Mon.-Wed.

Have fun baking and loving your families this week!

Comment by SusanN ( Mom of Sailor Peter) on November 16, 2009 at 8:07pm

I seem to have someone out nearly everyday. I teach 3 sections of reading/social studies and with all the little children touching everything it is bound to happen...just hope I don't get anything...I hate to have subs...Hope you and everyone else stays well...

Comment by Beth proud mom of Garrett on November 16, 2009 at 9:15am

Anyone having students out of school due to "flu-like symptoms"? It's not been too bad, but the makers of hand sanitizer are making a fortune!

Comment by SusanN ( Mom of Sailor Peter) on November 4, 2009 at 7:11am

I hear ya, Beth! It seems like every year there is more paperwork and less teaching time.

Comment by Beth proud mom of Garrett on November 4, 2009 at 7:08am

Report cards anyone? Parent/teacher conferences? Man, school is too busy! If I have to disaggregate any more data, I'm going to pop!

Comment by Kay Tim's Mom on October 14, 2009 at 9:05pm

Hello fellow teachers... have any of you partipated in the United Through Reading (www.unitedthroughreading.org) Military Program? If so, did you have a book drive to help get the program started on your son's/daughter's ship? I'd love to hear about your experience.

Comment by maggiedaniel (Mary's mom) on October 1, 2009 at 9:22pm

Beth -- It's great to hear from you. It sounds as though you are quite busy, but you certainly have exciting family events coming up. My girl will be home in mid-December from Texas A&M Galveston, so I'll be getting ready to have that special time with her. My husband and I miss her so much, but the reunions are always sweet!
Next week, I have a fall break , and I don't have to attend the teacher's convention this year. I'll have next Thursday and Friday to take care of some chores at home, get my hair done, and have some time to breathe. On Saturday the 10th, my husband and I are traveling about two hours north of Indianapolis to attend a N4M get together, and we decided to spend the weekend and visit a friend on Sunday. I'm looking forward to doing something different than the normal routine.

Everyone take care and stay healthy!

Comment by Beth proud mom of Garrett on October 1, 2009 at 7:05pm

MaggieDaniel - I'm just reading your post weeks after it went up. You are very insightful. I have been too busy at school to slow down for long. My husband's at a bible study tonight and the house is quiet...

I am mentally and emotionally gearing up for a late November visit from my overseas sailor. Can't wait.

I am also taking a couple of personal days to attend the Navy/Marine Corps birthday ball at VT. That will be a blast. Our last one, too, since the sweethearts (daughter and her fiance) are graduating this year and getting married next May!

School is good. Our attendance is up so we didn't have to cut any teachers. We survived a lockdown due to a WWII bomb across the street. I'm waiting to hear if a grant I wrote got funded for reading materials....

Hope all is well w/ my teacher friends!

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