Fierce Love

Last week we read the book, The Velveteen Rabbit aloud in class.  It's one of my favorites from childhood and a fun little read at Christmastime.  I remember sitting back in my big green chair as they each read a page.... watching their eyes squint up as they tried to figure out a vocabulary word.... enjoying their faces.  I thought, "What a privilege that I get to do this everyday.  I get to watch them learn and grow and discover and READ!  I get to hear their thoughts.  I get to hear their stories.  Who would want to miss this???"   

I've been a teacher for over 20 years.  I've taught hundreds of students.  I remember them all.  I am particularly fond of the "talkers".   I was one.  (Imagine that.)

Last Friday's tragedy has obviously had a profound effect on me.  For days I just could not stomach it and sought very little info of it via television or internet.  But last night I finally sat down and searched for one thing... I had to see their faces.

I don't know one teacher who would not shield a child from a bullet.... even if it meant using her/his own body.  A mother's love is indescribable, 

but a teacher's love is fierce.