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WRITE 2 THE HEART
Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
December 18, 2002
Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com
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Can you imagine being a child and showing up at
school on the day of your Christmas party and finding
out your teacher is not there? Mary-Ellen was able to
sooth fears as she substituted on such a day. She was
given a chance to be a part of the love and laughter
as well.
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Seasonal Serendipity
By Mary-Ellen Grisham
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I glanced up from working on the day's lessons to see
the large cottony snowflakes falling outside the high
classroom windows. The room was warm from the
efforts of the old-fashioned heating units that occasionally
clunked and rattled but still poured on the heat. Christmas
decorations lined the bulletin boards, hung from the
ceilings, and nestled on tabletops and window sills. The
oldest grade school in the district was very quiet because
the school buses were just pulling in two stories below
the window. Quickly, I began to organize the work sheets,
activity papers, and the snack bags, large ones decorated
for the season.
After leaving the gymnasium where arriving students gathered,
the boys and girls clumped up the stairs, laughing and talking.
The noise was happy; the students were excited; it was the last
day before Christmas break, and this was their Christmas Party
day. When I had first answered the phone call that summoned
me to substitute teach this day before break, I was tempted to
turn it down because my own holiday preparations beckoned.
Now I was glad that I had come because the young teacher
for whom I was substituting had been able to leave on her
Christmas Honeymoon a day or two early.
As the first wave of students came through the classroom door,
I could see their enthusiasm dampen considerably. They
proceeded with their usual chores of putting away lunches and
wraps, marking lunch counts, and adjusting calendars; but they
looked worried. I began to grin. One boy with huge brown
eyes who just couldn't stand the suspense any longer shouted,
"This is our party day, teacher!"
"I know it is," I said happy to comfort the kids, "and your
wonderful teacher left directions and surprises for you.
Everything will be the same as if she were here! Will you
remember to call her Mrs. T when she returns?"
"Yes, mam!" came the chorus of relieved voices, as the
children scurried to their seats.
Explaining that their teacher had shortened and organized
their regular lessons a bit differently than usual so that all the
work could be completed in the morning, I began our day.
The kids were very good, given the circumstances. We
hurried diligently through spelling, with a seasonal word list,
through math, with Christmas counting, and English, with
seasonal shopping sentences to correct. Social studies and
science had been completed the day before with the regular
teacher, so we continued dutifully with Christmas activity
sheets with skills, word choices, and seasonal crosswords.
We only stopped three times to look at the snowflakes,
once to discuss room décor, and twice for bathroom breaks.
(We stalwartly overlooked any minor fracases.) What good
students!
After lunch, another cause for concern came to my attention.
One pretty blonde girl with wavy hair and round, rosy cheeks
came importantly to the desk, holding a gift. She looked a
little anxious, but steadfastly continued, speaking in quick
assertive tones, "I brought this gift for the regular teacher--I
mean it isn't for you, but oh, will you make sure she gets it?"
"I sure will," I replied with a smile. She seemed relieved, and
as she and I decided the best place to store the gifts, other
students came forward in groups with other cards and gifts
for Mrs. T. We stored them in extra Christmas sacks under
the middle opening in the old teacher's desk, and I told the
kids that I would make sure the office knew they were there.
After everyone was in the room from lunch recess and locker
trips, we played Christmas music and I read two Christmas
stories to them sitting in the old rocker of the story corner.
Their responses and questions about the stories were appropriate
and encouraging. They were wonderful listeners, one shy little
girl summoning all her courage to request an encore--"The
Littlest Angel."
All at once parents and friends began to crowd into the room.
Party time was here! The room mothers had pizza and
wonderful Christmas favors prepared for the children, and I
handed out the treats and surprises from Mrs. T. For the next
hour the children ate, opened gifts, and had a great time talking
to visitors and introducing friends to parents. Tears filled my
eyes as I sat at the desk eating pizza and treats too. I was
overwhelmed to see the strength of the partnership between
the parents and the schools for the great good of the children.
As I soaked up seasonal serendipity, I was so happy to be part
of the celebration.
As the children began to pack their "loot" to take home, one
by one and in groups they came to the desk to wish me a
merry Christmas. I received several handmade cards, quickly
created on lunch break, and many warm hugs. The room
mothers were so grateful that I had taken the class and offered
many thanks. I felt humbled and happy to be included in their
very special day with such willing spirit. It was as if the kids,
with all the generosity of loving hearts, had made room in the
crowded inn for me...because of Jesus.
© 2001 by Mary-Ellen Grisham
meginrose @ empowering.com
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Mary-Ellen Grisham is a Christian writer and teacher living
in Godfrey, Illinois. She has recently published in The Upper
Room and the Christian Standard but continues writing and
editing for Eternal Ink, a Christian e-zine. Widely published
on the Internet, she especially enjoys writing for the inspirational
newsletters.
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Letters From Our Readers
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I bet it was music to Diane's ears to hear her son murmuring
those words in his sleep. She is so right, there is nothing like
getting your family planted in a local church to ease a move.
Patty
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Cheryl's Corner
David's sisters are down for the holidays. They will stay with us
until the first of the year. I don't know if we have enough time
to do all the things we want to do or cook and eat all the things
we are talking about. But we are willing to give it a try. Pralines
and peanut brittle yesterday, fudge and forgotten cookies today.
Watch out hips!
God Bless
Cheryl
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