Promise me

If there is one thing besides being a mother that I love its being a teacher. Although the weeks (okay take that back days) may be strenuous, knowing I have the capability to shape young learners minds makes it well worth it. If you think watching your child blossom and grow right before your eyes is astonishing, try watching 15. My days are filled with hugs, giggles, Ms. Hall being said 50 million times and of course...being sneezed or coughed on (I never said this job was glamorous). But the single thing I delight in most about my profession is the interactions between my students. Some make you giggle, blubber (that's a fun word) or at the least make you question what the heck is going on in their little minds.

My daughter is one of my students this year and you want to know how I feel about that? Let's put it this way each day is a walk in the park, juristic park that is. One wrong move and the ferocious Addie-o-saurus will attack. Just be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand for when this transpires (I have literally become a 3 year olds snack b****). Oh and I apologize ahead of time for all the delightful sass and hand on the hips back talk my daughter has so generously shared with her classmates this year. I assure you that will go away...just kidding it'll get worse. I strongly urge you to stock up on wine for the 3's, 4's and well every year after they have perfected the art of back talk.

The other day during snack I overheard Addie in conversation with one of her classmates. I never know whether I should continue listening or to cover my ears as that girl has no filter. I just hold my breath and pray to the God's above. What I heard her say however brought me to a screeching halt. Addie had witnessed one of her friends sitting alone at the snack table, and took it upon herself to go over and ask that classmate if they wanted to join her, because no one should sit by themselves. I cannot confirm nor deny that I had tears in my eyes when I heard this (I can still blame it on pregnancy hormones right or is 3 years post partum too late).

The world can be a cruel and unaccepting place. Sadly it is becoming a regular occurrence to see in the news young children committing suicide because they are bullied for being "different". No one wants to be that person who goes over and sits with the individual who is all by themselves. But that's the thing, all it takes is the kind act of a single person to change someone's entire life. Promise me Addie that will continue to be you.

Promise me you will continue to lend a helping hand to those who need it most. Whether it be helping a friend get up the stairs or giving someone in distraught a hug, please don't stop. Promise me you will always look for the best in others and accept everyone for who they are. Black, white, gay, trans, we are all the same inside. Promise me no matter what the world may betray to you, you will never lose sight of that. And even when no one wants to sit with "that kid", promise me you will sit with them. Be that kid who saves another kids life.

I may not have my s*** together (lets be honest I never will), I may not be the mom who can afford to buy her kid everything and I am no where near being the perfect mom. But I am the mom who is trying her hardest to raise a decent and kind human being in a society that seems to of turned a blind eye to that. We are all unique and beautiful in our own way, and those special qualities that make you "different" then the rest are what make this world go round. Lets teach our kids to worry less about what they look like or how many Instagram followers they have and more about embracing others for who they are. Each day you have the choice to be anything you want, please promise me you will choose to be kind.

~Be the reason someone smiles today~