Thank You Mom...

This is the way I’ll always remember you mom.  The photos are marked with holes from the tack board, and they are quite old…  But this is how my memory preserves you.

Many people love growing things in the garden.  You enjoyed watching children grow.  Your years in the classroom brought you across many students.  Children of all races, colors, genders and economic conditions, found “their place” in your classroom.  Thank you.

Although the state separates religion from the public schools, this didn’t keep you from “laying your hands” on students in prayer as you (silently) walked them down the hallway to music or gym class.  Thank you.

Your love for students and learning grew a passion in me to care for others.  This passion continues to grow in Christ to this day.  Thank you.

I know your unending prayers carried me through good times and bad.  I only hope I pray enough over my own children.  I know you tried to lead me down the right path so many times, and when I wouldn’t listen; you prayed.  You opened the gates of heaven with your prayers.  God listened, and continues to listen.  Thank you.

I remember my first day of teaching.  You sent me a gift and a card.  I meant so much to me.  I kept that card tacked to my bulletin board for the whole year.  Whenever I was having a hard day I just looked at the “smiley face card.”  Whenever I stepped into my classroom to begin praying over my room and my students before school began, I saw the “smiley face card”.  It seems kind of silly now- but thank you for the “smiley face card.”  Thank you.

Thank you for all the things big and small that you did to make life good for our family.  Thank you for sacrificing, even when I had no idea that is what was happening.

Thank you for taking us to church and helping us learn about the love of God, through family devotions and by living it out as a teacher, mom, and wife.

Love you mom. 

-Jenni

My mom and her classroom teaching friends from years ago.