Surprise

Ok, confession, this whole DonorsChoose pursuit came upon on a whim. Last Friday.

Rebecca and I may have been venting about looking through teacher online sites knowing we'll never get that stuff or being optimistic and telling ourselves one day. Or knowing that some schools have all that. I know we're not to compare.

And, then, subconsciously we thought why wait years? when perhaps it could be this school year.

So, here's to the creators of DonorsChoose (which is loaded with big name corporate sponsors).

So, here's to Lakeshore Learning who has the audacity to provide matching grants and to be honest  pick my project.

So, here's to Rebecca for encouraging me.

So, here's to Linda who told me to go for it.

So, here's to T who didn't encourage but told me to be patient.

And, here's to you who donated money during a month swamped with preparing your own families for back-to-school, prepping your own classroom, and fighting the rising thermometer.

I know 'thank yous' aren't enough. And, I think if anything, I'm more encouraged by you. #1, I know you. #2, I know that you give of your life daily to kids and others. #3, And, then you give more to my classroom.  A gift.

I can't help but think of my uncle who is quoted in today's Star Exponent regarding the passing of Baby Jim. Baby Jim gave him a chance, a job, and unconditionaly guidance around age 12 at the Snack Bar.

Hudson, a business owner, got his start in the business world at the snack bar, working there from age 12 on through college.

“It was the best job I ever had. Baby Jim taught me all you got to do is be good to people and it comes back to you,” he said.

Thanks for being role models to me.

Moral of the Story: Thanks for being good to me and being someone I look up to. May good roll back to you.