Faces I will miss so much....

Yesterday was an incredibly special, but heart-wrenching day for me. I brought along my Mom for support. It was time to say goodbye to Mrs. Hein's adorable second grade class.

There is something so profound in watching your child excel...and I mean MY child. She is one of the most competent and loving teachers I have ever seen.

She takes children that come on the first day saying that

they HATE school and years later those same children will continue to visit her classroom because she made such an impact.

I am more than proud of my daughter....I am humbled by her.

The year began on very shaky ground for Mrs. Hein. The loss of her Father in Law, moving into their first home, and beginning the school year all fell upon the same week. I sensed the incredible stress of it all, and wanted to help in any way I could.

So I began to volunteer in the classroom a few days per week. What I didn't know was as I watched Mrs. Hein recover from a difficult start, I saw her confidence soar and my heart swelled with pride.

Along with that, I fell in love with 24 second graders. Each child so unique, and each found a HUGE place in my heart.

Yesterday was a day for hugs and ice cream. There were promises that they made to read each day and I begged them to come visit me next year when they were BIG third graders.

I will never forget this year.....the year when I watched little ones grow and a teacher too. It was a joy to be part of , and now I can't wait for a new group of little ones to encourage next year.

So with some final hugs it was time to go home. As I got to my car one of the students was still waiting for me. I told Esli to work hard and to continue to make me proud. She looked at me shyly and when I told her I loved her, she told me "I love you more". It was a very good year.