"There are two ways of spreading light: to beThe candle or the mirror that receives it."
We have the power to be extremely influential in the lives of others. I learned this from my father, who had touched so many lives through his kind and loving spirit and his huge giving heart. I feel blessed to have known such a man and even more grateful that it was my own father. I am hoping through my actions Little Chick will learn to be kind and giving to others.
My Dad died twelve years ago and it was a devastating time for me. I had been finishing up my Masters in Education and doing my Student Teaching in the inner city. There was a point after his passing that I felt that I could not go on. Then one day I received cards from my 3rd grade students. They told me they missed me and they wished I would come back. There was one particular card from a student whose home life was extremely difficult. He had drawn a picture of my father up 
in the sky with wings and he and myself below looking up. The card said, "Your father is an angel up in heaven now. Please be our angel in school again." That moment I realized that everything my father had given to me needed to be passed on to my students. This boy was an example of how difficult things could be in life, yet he always entered the classroom with a huge smile on his face.
in the sky with wings and he and myself below looking up. The card said, "Your father is an angel up in heaven now. Please be our angel in school again." That moment I realized that everything my father had given to me needed to be passed on to my students. This boy was an example of how difficult things could be in life, yet he always entered the classroom with a huge smile on his face. I loved teaching! I just received cards from students thanking me for being such an influence in their lives and asking me to go to their graduations. I don't know if my father knew what an influence he had been on so many lives, and I am not sure what role I have played in my students lives. However, I do know that we all need to give of ourselves as much as we can. We don't know just how much we may influence a life.
What a really great story. Even though he passed some years ago, I'm sorry for your loss of your father. Like we talked about before, even if it gets easier it still pretty much sucks. I'm glad you have so many people and kids that look up to you!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post. I lost my Dad 4 years ago and I totally understand the devastion but also that moment where you choose to continue on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my Blog. Your blog is awesome!!
What a sweet story - your dad sounds like a great man! I'm sure he's very pleased with you and is watching over you!
ReplyDeleteDear cousin, I have just sent you an email - I am choked up with emotion and somewhat at a loss for words, but I just wanted to say that, just from what I've seen in this blog, I can tell that you were surely a wonderful teacher - I do hope that at some point you will take it up again - some of my favourite, most influential people in my life, have been my teachers...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post!!! I love reading your blog everyday. Your dad has done a great job raising you and your sister.I am very proud of you.
ReplyDeleteMuch love....
My husband's father died recently - we had moved back to his hometown a few months before he died. We came back because God said, "Go." Now we're wondering if we should go back "home" - it's a complicated story. However, my husband is having a hard time leaving behind his father's farm and everything he worked for, but I told him that his father's heritage is within him and within his sons. It's not limited to a piece of land. I think we had to come back for awhile to come to terms with that. Your story, so beautiful, echoed what's been in my heart about our loss.
ReplyDeletesorry for the loss of ur father. I can see u were close to him! hes a lucky man to ahve a daughter like u.
ReplyDeleteTruely spoken from the heart!
ReplyDeleteStopped by from the blogflow
Heart-wrenching!!!! Totally filled with emotion, truth, love and heart ache with hope. I follow the blog daily and love the inspiration and TEACHING - once a teacher, always a teacher. I was unprepared for this today. When I went to your site to get my fill of daily joy and inspiration, I was overwhelmed by the photo as it popped up instantly because I didn't expect it for he is my Daddy, too, and I know how much you miss him and how our hearts as sisters and his daughters bled for a long, long time. I love you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, for following me. I am following you too.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI'm following you from Mom Bloggers Club and I'm so glad I've found you.
What a wonderful post. I really needed to read this today.
*New Follower too :-> *
Thanks for having a blog I want to come back to! You are encouraging and definitley doing a good thing here with Mama's Little Chick! I'm sure your Dad would be proud! :)
ReplyDeleteI've got your button on my main page I love it so much! <3
http"//anythingmom.blogspot.com
Here through Mom Bloggers Club too and really moved by your post. My husband lost his father when he was 20 and I see the impact that had on him, and still I can't know what it's like - so my sympathies. As far as kids - it's like they sometimes just know how to say things that are so honest and caring that they can make your heart melt. Not a teacher - but I taught swimming lessons and coached and volunteered with kids for years. I've kept many of the cards and letters they gave me :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your blog. I'll be visiting again.
Louise @ http://mommycrat.blogspot.com/
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. As children we sometimes realize to late what our parents mean to us. I am sure that your inner light will inspire Little Chick, from some of your other posts I can see that she is a kind, gentle little girl.
ReplyDeleteMama Hen, your dad sounds like an amazing guy. I lost my brother nearly 15 years ago and he is still with me, much like your father is probably with you. Based on the sentiment in your blog, I'm sure you had a profound influence on all the children you've taught. Even more so, Little Chick is lucky to have such a warm and caring Mama Hen.
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