Last September my oldest granddaughter, Lauren, began her educational adventure as a kindergarten student. When I talked to her about starting kindergarten, her eyes would sparkle with excitement and her face would break into a smile.
Fortunately, Lauren lives in the same community as her grandparents, so—as you might expect—her grandfather managed to make an appearance in her classroom on the first day of school. I entered her classroom quietly and observed the four or five children who had arrived early. Lauren was playing in the corner of the room. She was beautiful in her apple-print dress, which had been selected for her first-day-of-school attire.
Suddenly Lauren turned around, our eyes met, and she cried, "Gramps!" As she ran to me, an emotional tide engulfed my total being. In just a few seconds I remembered her birth, the first time I held her in my arms, our times together reading Where's Baby Bear?, and the night when my wife and I were babysitting and she fell out of her crib (thankfully, no injuries!). With tears in my eyes, I gave her a hug and silently expressed thanks for such a precious gift.
That emotional moment prompted me to reflect on the trust placed in all of us as educators. Just as Lauren is precious to our family, millions of the world's children are precious to their families and friends. Those adults are depending on us, as educators, to treat their children with respect, care, and concern, just as we want other adults to show kindness to the children we love so deeply. Educators should never lose this perspective.
In her book Visions from the Heart, Jennifer James quotes an anonymous work that describes the signs of "inner peace." One of the signs captures my feelings during this Thanksgiving season: "Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation." I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve in a profession that has children and their well-being as the focus of all we do. I also appreciate the privilege of being part of ASCD.
As ASCD members, we can all appreciate the benefits of the Association's activities, such as its work to improve urban education; to help meet the needs of children of the poor; to cultivate and celebrate diversity in the membership, governance, and staff of ASCD; to promote lifelong learning; and to act as an advocate for all children. These are only some of ASCD's initiatives, but they represent areas that I believe distinguish our organization.
Be thankful, for you are part of an organization that—through its publications, positions, programs, and activities—is making a real contribution to the lives of children.
