Christmas used to be one of my favourite holidays, beginning with the annual trek into the woods (or tree farm) to bring back that perfect tree, through to decorating the tree while listening to Christmas carols - all in anticipation of Christmas morning. I must admit though, with my own children grown up and not with me and no family nearby I’ve lost touch with the Christmas spirit. On the last day of school before the break, while other teachers brought in movies, I scheduled math tests - the more the merrier. Gives me something to do Christmas day - marking tests.But this year was different. It all started with one of my grads - Miss Hayley, asking if we could get together for lunch on Saturday to which I agreed. At 11:30 this morning my buzzer sounded and I buzzed to let Hayley in to the apartment building. 10 minutes went by and no Hayley - strange! Then I heard it - a lot of giggling coming from the stairwell - something was up. As I opened the door there they were - my grads - complete with Christmas tree and all the trimmings. A Christmas Intervention for the old grouch.
They barged into my apartment, put up the tree, decorated the tree and had even brought presents to put under the tree. As I am typing this now there are tears in my eyes - I am so touched by their gesture. I love them so much - and all will be graduating this year and I shall miss them so very much. They are a fantastic group of kids - so kind and so thoughtful.My words alone can not thank them enough nor demonstrate my gratitude for their thoughtfulness - perhaps I shall have to pass them after all.
Thank you Hayley, Megan, Meghan, Patrick, Ashley, Stef with an ‘F’, and Andy (who was late for the picture). As well to Fred and Sarah who could not be there but had contributed earlier with the cutting of the tree and the shopping as well as with their hearts. I shall indeed miss you all as your journey through life continues after graduation. I pray with all my heart that each of you will live a cherished life because you are all extremely special people.
From the grouch who’s heart you touched today more deeply than ever, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas - I love you all. And I can't see my keyboard anymore for the tears in my eyes.
