Birthday Parties!

A few weeks ago, one of my students asked me to pray for his mom. She was in the hospital. I have three from their family in my different bands. The next day, on the announcements I read that this little boy's birthday was that day. Now, at my school, it is a huge deal for the elementary kids to bring in treats for their classmates and teachers on their birthday. He didn't have anything that day, and I knew it was going to be at least a few days before his mom was back from the hospital. I ran out during my lunch to get some cupcakes for a celebration during our band class. We surprised this little boy with a party! When we started singing, he had to turn away because he had tears in his eyes! I heard one of his friends say, "See, you did get a birthday." It was one of those touching teaching moments that I won't soon forget! For me, teaching is more about caring about that students than anything else. The students whom I have had the opportunity to show how much I care about them are the ones who work the hardest in my classes. They show me the most respect and end up to be the core of my band! The more I can encourage and show love to these kids, the more I can truly impact their lives!