I know I speak for most teachers when I say the BEST end of the year gifts are the handwritten notes, the hugs, the smiles and the tears from the children that you've loved all year long. I never expect anything big, and my heart swells when I see a handwritten card handed to me by a child. That is the gift that means something.
However.
Yesterday, Max came in carrying quite a large basket. "This is for YOU, Mrs. Smythe!!" he shouted.
I was shocked at the gorgeous basket, and teared up when I saw the card that said "Teachers plant the seeds of knowledge." They all know how much I love flowers and gardening and were a part of a big weeding/planting project last week. I was even more verklempt when Max handed me a card that he had written telling me how "AWESOME" I was.
And then I reached in and grabbed a card that had something inside. It was a Starbucks Gift card for a LARGE amount!
"WOW!" I said, looking at him in shock, "That is so generous! Max, you did NOT have to do that!"
"Well," he said with a huge smile, "my mom said that after putting up with me for 180 days, it was the LEAST we could do." Smile, smile.
Boom.
Best line EVER!
(Damn, I'm gonna miss the crap outta that kid....)
