Things I Learned

"Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life--learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some." - Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

Tomorrow I say goodbye to my children. (Not really goodbye - goodbye, just --- goodbye, if you know what I mean.) And so as a tribute to my kids, I will try to tell you all the things I learned from them.

The Things I Learned from Third Grade Pupils

1. That we shouldn't always believed them when they say that you have dirt on your face or everybody will laugh at how gullible you are.

2. That giving a 50 cent Hello Kitty sticker goes a long way with 9 yr olds.

3. That laughing and joking with them will always be rewarded by a hug and a smile.

4. That kids are into details. The lies on their classmate's head, the dirt on your shirt, my pudgy fingers, unusual thick growth of hair on arms, dirty shoes, dirty nails, nice smile, small dimples and cute hairstyles are all in their observation list.

5. That we are all dancers and singers, whatever experts may say. As long as you dance and you sing and you smile all the while, the children will laugh all the way with you.

6. That holding grudges are for grownups. Children seldom hold grudges. Scold them terribly one day and tomorrow, they'll hug you during recess. Ah, the joys of being an early grade teacher.

7. That cheap lollipops and candies are the best if they are free. We grownups will get a free treat and if its cheap, we'll likely to complain. What are we complaining for? It's free right? But you'll make their day even with cheap lollipops and candies.

8. That children have a way of chasing troubles away. I should've been miserable last Valentines day, but because I received a dozen different roses, many thoughtful notes, and other stuffs like baloons, chocolates, heart-shaped candles, etc. I just don't have the strength to get lonely. I was too busy smiling and feeling charmed and happy.

9. That I like being hugged tight. It's a rare day that I don't get hugged. Some days are more blessed for sometimes I received more than two hugs with small smile and if I'm even luckier, a kiss.

10. That it's not hard to memorize names. Especially if they truly leave a an indelible mark on your life.

11. That they are not difficult to love and they are very easy to miss. One can't help but fall in love with them, even with all their weird, quirky, and boisterous ways.

12. That the worst of them can't still be compared with the best of us. Their worst is lazy but has the energy to run and play from 7 to 5 pm. Our best is responsible yes, but their worst is still far more full of wonder, and enthusiasm and good will than the most positive thinking adult. That's just the way it is.

...And so, I hope I'll still dance and sing and act and smile and laugh in spite of or despite the hardships that I still yet to face. I'm also crossing my fingers that in the midst of great loneliness, I'll remember my dozen roses, my chocolates, my love notes and their hugs and smiles and kisses.

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For: Caryl, Donabel, Elijah, Joy-joy, Justin, Ron-J, Charlie Magne, Alex, Aaron Joshua, Joanna, Vangie, Paulo, Carl, Kyle, Ryza, Arielle, Patrick, and Vince.