Well today was the day the golden year came to an end. And it wasn't a golden year because the students were so very bright or because the year did not have challenges. It wasn't a golden year because my students were perfect by any means. Rather, they simply had precious hearts and curious minds. If you are a teacher, you know that this is the greatest gift in the world. To learn to love, to scoop all the knowledege you can and give back to the world around you. 

It was interesting, because the minute my students stepped into the classroom, there was a silence that followed. I saw many of them look around at the walls and the chalkboard and the familiar quotes on the walls and say to me, "Mrs. Amoscato..I never want this year to end." As I said my goodbye speech the last 15 minutes of class, I noticed many of my students had already started crying-tears spilling down their cheeks. 

Letting go of students is so very hard. I think it just goes to show you what a beautiful family is created in just on year. The students may be young, but they understand the importance of time. The fact that time does indeed run out. That yes there is a beginning in an end in any event or any circumstance in life. That sometimes those last 20 minutes are the most precious. 

I came home tonight to find an email from one of my students that read something like this: 

Dear Mrs. Amoscato, 

I may cry until I die, but I will always remember Mrs. Amoscato. Every year may be hard for you, but I will always be here for you. Thank you for being the very best teacher with the kindnest heart. I love you, Mrs. Amoscato. 

- anonymous

The fact that an eight year old realizes that struggle to embrace the end and then reaches a loving hand to her teacher...brought me to tears yet again. We may constantly complain about humanity. But boy do we have some beautiful beings in this world who are already changing the world. And it's those littlest minds making those small acts of love that create an abundance of whimsy to share with the rest of the world. It starts with one little seed. And that's why early education is so incredibly important-creating a loving atmosphere and first and foremost carrying out His work.