Oh... THIS is why I do what I do

Today after school (actually around 6:30 because I was there from 7:20 to 6:10 today... count the hours), I went to the store to get things for school tomorrow. (Notice a trend... my freaking life revolves around that place.) While buying the necessary ingredients for no cook playdoh, I ran into a mom from my class last year.

Let me start by saying that this mom was fabulous. She wasn't my room mom. She wasn't on the PTA. But she is a great mom who cares for her kids and does everything she can for them. Including taking a job in KC. Dad and child from my class are already there. Mom and younger sibling are still in town one more week. Seeing me, she immediately said, "Let me call you back" into her phone, hung up, and hugged me. See? This mom is fabulous. I think if they'd have stayed in town, we could have been friends. As it was, I was really glad to see her and inquire how the kid was doing because the last few months were hard.

This child developed severe separation anxiety and homesickness issues. Crying at the door hardcore in the morning and not wanting to stay at school. Sobbing. Once mom, dad, or grandma would leave, the child would cling to me and needed constant hugs. Mom thanked me profusely for taking care of her little one and for the other things I did for the family. Can't go into too much detail but mom was grateful and it made me feel good. This is one student and family that I won't forget. The child was one of the sweetest, quietest, and most timid kid you'd ever see and it was absolutely heartbreaking to hear her cry every morning... But that's not why I won't forget them.

No, I will always remember them for the kind words they said to me. For the feeling of appreciation that they gave me. Just these few words: "Thank you for everything you did this year."

I mean, I know I am making a difference. And I know that even the smallest exchange can impact a kid's life. And maybe it's selfish of me, but sometimes I just need to hear some assurance that I'm doing something good and that somebody out there appreciates me.

So as I pass out tonight (because let's face it... what I did today on minimal sleep, I'm not going to bed tonight but rather I am simply going to pass out of sheer exhaustion.), I will remember that that this is why I do what I do. Because it DOES all make a difference.

***Oh yeah... and a six year old told me I had a fat stomache today. Thanks kid for the motivation to work out. And I was having an "I feel skinnier day" today, too. Damn.