Once, long ago, I worked in a preschool for children with special needs. It was in the years before I had children of my own, when I was a brand new, untarnished teacher. I loved my job! I felt useful, I had a body of knowledge that I was able to apply, and I was surrounded by little people all day.
One day a little girl in the classroom was sitting on the “meeting rug”, her big blue eyes fixed on me, her chin resting in her chubby little hands. We were doing a morning song, as I recall, but she wasn’t participating. I smiled at her, and used the sign for “sing”, but she stayed quiet. Her eyes looked huge through her pink plastic glasses, and she barely blinked. I remember feeling frustrated with her lack of response, but slightly worried about her at the same time.
“Megan,” I asked when the song was finished, “Sweetie, why didn’t you sing with us?”
“Cuz. You.” She pointed at me.
“What? What about me?”
She smiled.
“I like your face.”
What a lovely gift! I smiled for weeks afterwards.
That sweet moment took place nearly 30 years ago. I no longer work with preschoolers, and I no longer teach only children with special needs. I haven’t really thought about that class, or that adorable little blondie, for many years.
I was reminded of her this week, though, when a funny thing happened in the classroom where I now teach fifth grade.
I have been lucky enough this school year to find myself teaching a class full of happy, bright, enthusiastic children who love to be in school. They are all engaging and fun (I swear, I am not exaggerating: I feel like I spend all day in a pile of puppies!).
Two of the pups are twin boys. They are both tall, broad shouldered, and brown haired. Both have a tendency to gaze out the window at the warm, sunny day, and both sport just-beginning-to-grow-out buzz cuts.
They look amazingly like my own boys at the same age. Even the way that they stand together, always aware of each other’s presence, pulls at my heart strings. My boys used to do that! When I look at the upturned noses, the light sprinkling of freckles, the innocently wide green eyes, I can clearly see my sons. I love having the twins in my class, but I miss my own boys even more than usual with them around.
The other day, the kids were listening to a lesson from the art teacher. I was seated at my desk in the front of the room, typing a note, but looking out at the children. I caught the eye of one of the twins, and he looked away quickly, then sat up a bit straighter.
A moment later, he looked up to find my eyes still fixed on his face. He flushed a bit, then mouthed the word, “Sorry.”
Gulp!
The poor little guy thought that I had caught him daydreaming, and figured that he was in trouble! I knew that I needed to make things right, but I didn’t want to go into a long explanation as I lined the kids up to go to gym class. So I put a hand on his shoulder, pulling him just a bit out of line, to walk behind the others.
“Liam.”, I began, “You weren’t in trouble at all! You were just fine.”
“So why were you looking at me?”, he asked with a child’s directness.
“Honey”, I smiled, “I just really like your face.”
Empty Nest, Full Life 
Lovely story. Your class is so lucky to have you.
LikeLike
These kids are really, truly great. I love my job (when I can keep the bureaucrats out of it!)
LikeLike
I hear you.
LikeLike
Uncensored kindness and curiosity, if only we could all maintain the innocence of youth.
LikeLike
So true!
Its one of the things I love most about kids: You always know where they stand!
LikeLike
So awesome Karen! What a heartwarming story!!! A friend of mine teaches and she always talks about the chemistry of each class. Sometimes they’re funny, engaging and love being there. Sometimes they’re not. She talks about how awesome it is to get that funny, engaging, warm class. So happy to hear you have that this year! Go Karen!
LikeLike
Thanks! Its really funny how that chemistry works: sometimes kids who clash with one teacher delight another (and vice versa). I always love my kids, but this year the dynamic is particularly wonderful!
LikeLike
What a wonderful heartwarming story 🙂
LikeLike
I think rather than being tarnished, time has given you a lovely patina :-). Wonderful story.
LikeLike
Oh, what a delightful way to look at it! Thank you!
LikeLike
I love this post! If no one has thanked you yet today for your years of service to children let me be the first to say “Thank you”. I love teachers!!
LikeLike
I love kids, so it is a pleasure to teach, really!
This class, in particular, is just incredibly sweet!
LikeLike
Lucky kids! One of my favorite posts ever!
LikeLike
And I really, really do like his face….am I creepy?
LikeLike
So sweet. Sounds like you are off to a fantastic start in school. Can you tell, within the first few weeks, how the year will go?
LikeLike
Its funny, but you really can tell!
There is a chemistry to every class, you know? This one is particularly young, and innocent, and just very happy. I’m so lucky with them!
LikeLike
So very sweet. With your permission, I plan on using that one because it’s a lovely thing to say.
LikeLike
Oh, but of course! Isn’t it a wonderful sentiment? I cherish the fact that it was said to me, and that I passed it on!
LikeLike
I teared up a bit, I couldn’t help it. I wish you were my teacher. God, you’re inspirational.
LikeLike
Oh, man!
I don’t know how inspirational I am, but I love it so much that you would think so!
I am very very lucky to have a job that I love, and that I get to be with wonderful children every day!
Thank you!
LikeLike