The Hand Holders: A Tribute To Caregivers

We recently changed to a different daycare provider for a variety of reasons, and I want to recognize all the wonderful teachers who had a big impact in our children’s lives for the last 1 ½ years. I cried the last morning I dropped them off there- these are people who have become like family and I will miss seeing them every day. Makayla and Jackson already miss them dearly! I can sincerely say that the very first day I dropped Makayla and Jackson off at your daycare it never even crossed my mind how tough it would be to say goodbye. Thank you for loving our children. They certainly love ya’ll. I hope we continue to stay in touch.

Many blessings,
Shawna

The Hand Holders:
A Tribute To Caregivers

There is no job more important than yours, 
no job anywhere else in the land.
You are the keepers of the future;
you hold the smallest of hands. 

Into your care you are trusted
to nurture and care for the young,
and for all of your everyday heroics,
your talents and skills go unsung.

You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.
You rock babies brand new in your arms. 
You encourage the shy and unsure child. 
You make sure they are safe from all harm. 

You foster the bonds of friendships,
letting no child go away mad.
You respect and you honour their emotions.
You give hugs to each child when they're sad.

You have more impact than does a professor,
a child's mind is moulded by four;
so whatever you lay on the table
is whatever the child will explore.

Give each child the tools for adventure,
let them be artists and writers and more;
let them fly on the wind and dance on the stars
and build castles of sand on the shore.

It is true that you don't make much money
and you don't get a whole lot of praise,
but when one small child says "I love you",
you're reminded of how this job pays.

author unknown

Here are some memories I captured! Double click to enlarge...I think. (Ashley, I don't have a picture of you & Jackson :-( )

 

My Most Inspirational Teacher

In the fall of 1985 I walked into Mrs. Kraft’s kindergarten classroom. I was a shy little girl with a curly head of hair. I was a momma’s girl back then and dreaded leaving my mom to go to school. Mrs. Kraft was a caring teacher who seemed to hate seeing me upset; not because my crying got on her nerves, but because my crying seemed to pull at her heartstrings. There is one memory that has always stuck with me. Just about every morning I would start crying because I missed my mom so much. Mrs. Kraft would go get me an cold carton of milk. That was the best milk I ever had; ice-cold, refreshing, and therapeutic. She would sit with me while I drank that milk. She had a comfort about her that made me feel safe and loved. I think I took one of her heartstrings with me on my last day of kindergarten because I have never forgotten her. Without her even knowing, Mrs. Kraft inspired me to become the teacher I am today. Like Mrs. Kraft left me with fond memories of days gone by, I long to leave my students with memories they will never forget. I long for my students to feel important, loved, cared for, and inspired; the same way my teacher of 26 years ago made me feel then and even today!

This is my kindergarten picture! :-)

Over the last few days I’ve had a desire to find my kindergarten teacher. I have already started an internet search and hope it will be easy. I would truly enjoy telling her the influence she left in my life, and how she’s inspired me to be a teacher that will be remembered always. Thank you Mrs. Kraft!

Sincerely,

Shawna