Thursday, August 7, 2014

The First Grader

Oh this boy. Preciousness. Despite all my best efforts he kept growing all summer. And so today I just had to take him to school. And I looked at him and felt my heart tighten and squeeze.
He wouldn't hold my hand. But he allowed a hug and he was off. I am working in the same building so I was brave and started about my busy day.
And I was brave. Until I passed by his old kindergarten room and caught myself trying to check in on him through the open door. And then my heart dropped. He isn't there any more. He isn't in the magical happy bright sunny world of Kindergarten. He is a big kid. A first grader. I crossed the threshold of his old teacher's room and caught eyes with her. My eyes then filled up and spilled over. I had come to trust her and know for certain she loved Noah for Noah. She called him her baby and she practiced selflessness daily. She showed him patience and kindness in action. She showed him the love of Christ as she showed this affection to each and every student in his class, regardless of class, creed, or color. And do you know what she did as I stood in her room crying this morning? She patiently and kindly reassured me. Just like she had all the newbie Kindergarten parents that morning, even as her own baby was having his first day of Kindergarten in the room next door. And she reminded me  where he was going.........

Noah's new teacher is amazing. She is beautiful inside and out. She adores her babies. And her job. She views it as an opportunity to share Christ's love with others. And she does. Sometimes I think I can literally see it radiating out of her. I have every confidence in her ability to teach Noah not just the reading and math she is responsible for but so much more! He is going to love love love first grade.

I am so very grateful. I thank God daily for the amazing opportunity to work in such a special place with such fantastic teachers. And to share the memories here with Noah. I am so thankful for the person he is growing into at UPES. I only wish he would slow it down just a little.


4 comments:

jennifer said...

Tears down my face...hims a big boy!

jennifer said...

Fab pics BTW...as I am crying over your words....

Anonymous said...

Me too! I know it's hard to imagine but I do remember the children going to first grade. I remember getting teary too. They didn't look back as I stood there and watched them walk into the big kid room. They were ready, it just took me a little longer.
Love, Sandra

Mimi said...

Tears flowing here also! Why do we cry? It just goes by so very fast ! Look at that beautiful, amazing child! He is so ready for what is next. So excited to be growing taller and stronger and more independent every day. God guard his mind, his heart and the direction his growing feet take him. I remember how excited we all were when he took his first steps.....one step and then another.
In a few years we will be posted these ( wonderful) pictures on TBT on Facebook and marveling at how small he was way back then.
How we love you, Noah!