“Thanks for stopping by,” he said with a big, gap-toothed smile. I smiled back and continued on my way. How could that old flower-cart owner be so cheerful? All I ever did was stop and look at his flowers during my rush to work. I had been passing his cart for over a year now and still hadn’t bought a single flower. Yet, every day I got that same cheerful smile and simple thank you.
The next day I decided I’d finally buy a bunch of carnations for my desk and see how the man treated me after a purchase. “Thanks for stopping by,” was his sole response, along with that big gap-toothed smile. I couldn’t resist any longer and asked him, “Why do you thank me for stopping every day when I never make a purchase?” He looked at me for a moment and said, “Everybody that stops and admires my flowers makes me glad of what I do. I try to bring some cheer into this busy world and when someone stops to look, I feel I’ve done a good job.”
“Thanks for being here,” was my smiling response as I hurried on to work.
The story above reminds me how important our attitude is to the service that educators deliver. Many of your “clients” are not daily buyers of educational services, but teachers still must prepare for them anyway. You never know when one of your “clients” will wake up and decide to utilize the substantial opportunities that a good school district has to offer. I continue to be impressed by the love and concern that educators show.
I survived nearly 45 years in the education business and I continue to be optimistic about what quality educators do and how their role “makes a difference”. I refuse to join veteran educators who have become cynical about our career choices. I appreciate all educators who join together each day to educate our kids, to attack ignorance and to nurture positive attitudes. It often appears to be an impossible task…so sometimes you must feel like superman…
“At first dreams seem impossible, then improbable, then inevitable.” — Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) American Actor
“Thanks for stopping by” and have a nice day!
Submitted by Tony Price.
