Sometimes We don’t Realize How We Touch Someone’s Life
At this season of giving, we are reminded that the best gift is the gift of giving.
I received an incredibly heartfelt gift from one of my students a few years ago.
She had wrapped the gift in fun, brightly colored paper with a pretty bow on it. A proud, happy smile adorned her face as she handed it to me.
I excitedly tore off the paper!
In my hand I held an exquisite angel figurine. “Oh, this angel is lovely!” I exclaimed. “She has such a sweet, loving smile! Thank you!”
This ten-year old girl shyly said, “I used to have broken wings.”
I quickly interrupted her (and actually quite rudely, if truth be told), because I did not want her to think even for a moment that she had broken wings. “Oh, sweetie, you have never had broken wings! You are one of the most genuinely kind, thoughtful, loving people I know!”
“No,” she continued. “I did have broken wings when I first began tutoring with you.”
“No. Truly you are absolutely, perfectly wonderful!” I insisted.
“Please let me finish,” she politely said.
It was so hard to let her continue, as I just couldn’t bear the thought that this lovely, young girl felt she had broken wings.
“When I first came to tutoring, I could hardly read even a few words. I so wanted to read! My mom, dad, teachers, friends, everyone I knew could read so easily.
“I thought that there was something wrong with me. I felt dumb and stupid. I was embarrassed and ashamed of myself.”
My heart was breaking as I listened to the pain and hurt in her voice. I wanted to reach out and hug her.
I painstakingly refrained from blurting out again that she was a wonderful, awesome person.
I swallowed my tears as she continued, “The angel is you. You taught me to read! I can really read now! I never thought that would happen.
“The little, white dove in the angel’s hands is me. The dove is ready to fly free.
“Because of you I can be anything I want to be now—anything!”
Tears filled my eyes. My heart swelled with love for this beautiful person!
I reached out to hug her. I pulled her to me as I wrapped my arms around her. I wanted her to know how much I love her. I wanted to take all of her pain away.
Then I realized that her pain was leaving her due to her own intense desire and focus as she diligently worked with me through Silent Elephant “e”.
Slowly the full meaning of her gift and words began to sink in.
I cried.
This is why I became a teacher.
She is now free to bravely explore the world. She has the tools, and she knows it.
As you teach your children (and adults), think of this sweet girl, her beautiful gift, her eloquent words.
You are a gift to each and everyone you teach.
Thank you for being an angel to all of your students!
If you are questioning whether Silent Elephant “e” is the comprehensive reading, writing and spelling program you’d like to purchase, feel free to contact us.