Today one of my little boys gave me a ring. It was a beautiful tin, adjustable ring with a paste-on purple gem. He stopped me before our usual morning hug (that's how my class and I greet each other in the morning) and looked at me with very deep, intense eyes and said, "Mrs. Klein, I have something for you." I knew right then it was a ring and I was in awe of this little boy in front of me-- how brave, how sweet. But because I am a chicken and have commitment issues, I tried to get out of it by saying, "Maybe you could show me in the classroom?" No, he was adamant, "Mrs.Klein, this is for you!" and he offered me the ring. "Oh Henry!" I replied, "It's beautiful. I love this color!" He looked at me puzzled and said "Your favorite color is green..." (He's going to be a thoughtful boyfriend and husband!) "It is, but I also love purple and today this IS my favorite color!" He then proceeded to give me a bear hug, which I returned whole-heartedly. I wore the ring the entire day and despite losing the "gemstone" twice, it was still on my hand when he returned later that evening for the Second Grade Musical program. "Oh," he said casually, "you still have it on!" His mother and I shared a secret smile.
I want to love like a 7 year old again.... so easily and fearlessly...with my whole heart and without expectation...trusting my heart to know what to do and not get tangled up in overthinking everything... But until I relearn that skill, I shall wear my beautiful ring to remind me how pure and precious love is. And how very lucky I am to be a teacher.
But, once again, I find myself wondering who is teaching whom?
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