June 22, 2005 | Offspring: ecstasy and agony
I hoped, and I wished, and I prayed. I offered up silent sacrifices befitting the huge favor I was pleading for with my mind. I told myself not to get my hopes up, not to get my heart set on what very well might not happen, and to be ready for the disappointment.
As I live in a town of parents known to be pushy and unreasonable, I kept my desires to myself. I made no demands. I just… kept… hoping against hope that this one little sign of promise would play out in our favor.
Today was the last day of school, and the manila envelope in Chickadee’s backpack held a report card, several miscellaneous informational sheets, and her teacher placement for next year. Together we withdrew the papers, trembling in anticipation. I unfolded the placement letter and let my eyes drop to the signature line…
… and it was signed by Mr. Wonderful, the most coveted teacher in the school.
The girls are all a little bit in love with him, the boys all want to be him, and the parents speak as one voice about how he somehow manages to run the tightest ship around and still draw admiration.
Next year is going to be better.
We danced together, a little jig right there at daycare. We celebrated the joy of anticipation, the excitement of a new adventure awaiting. My darling daughter grinned up at me and said, “I was really hoping for Mr. Wonderful but I didn’t want to say anything! And I GOT HIM!”
“You are one LUCKY GIRL!” I crowed in reply. Maybe it’s not such a big deal; except that for her, it is. For me, it is. Knowing she’ll be in good hands… not just okay hands, or so-so hands… it’s a big deal.
Today is a good day.
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Congrats!
Sounds like Mr. Right!
June 22nd, 2005 at 5:40 pmThat is GREAT news! I’m happy for you both, and for the good day
June 22nd, 2005 at 5:51 pmAwesome!
June 22nd, 2005 at 6:45 pmNice! I’d completely forgotten about the excitement of finding out who next years’ teacher would be.
June 22nd, 2005 at 7:15 pmAre you kidding — that’s a HUGE deal! Mazel Tov! Our placements for next year get mailed out on the last day of school (so that there’s no one around to complain to if things don’t go your way…). I’m just as anxious about the class list, hoping each kid is with at least one special pal. Our last day is Friday.
June 22nd, 2005 at 7:30 pmoh, that’s super! Congrats to you and your baby.
June 22nd, 2005 at 8:28 pmThat is a HUGE great awesome deal! A great teacher can mean so much. He will be spending what? 30 hours a week with her? Next year will be a great year! Congrats!
June 22nd, 2005 at 9:30 pmGreat news! ‘Round these parts, we are forced to wait until late August for teacher placement. No fair!!
June 23rd, 2005 at 9:15 amAlhamdu Allah! Hatha mumtaz jiddan.
June 23rd, 2005 at 12:11 pmIt IS a big deal!!! The right teacher can make a school year just like the wrong one can break it. And if Chickadee is excited about the upcoming school year, that sets the stage for a successful one!!! Woohoo!!!
June 23rd, 2005 at 3:16 pmCongratulations!!! Sounds like next year will be so much better. A teacher like that can make all the difference.
June 24th, 2005 at 11:15 amYAY! My daughter got Mr. Perfect, your’s got Mr. Wonderful. All is right in our corners of the elementary school world and that makes all the difference this year in their little (and our not-so-little) lives! Drinks all around!
June 25th, 2005 at 12:43 am