To the students who call me "mom."

Thank you. Thank you for making me feel loved. You will never know how much I truly care for each and every one of you.

 I want you to know that I pray for you consistently. You have taught me how to be the best mom I can be. You have taught me the balance of discipline, love and friendship. You have taught me that relationships are so much more important than being the perfect teacher. 

Thank you for helping me improve the way I teach. Every time I see you come in my room it reminds me of my purpose. I love seeing you! I love that you love to annoy me and spend all your extra time in my room. 

 I love that you share your life, your struggles, your successes and even you most trusted secrets. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for coming to me for advice. I know that I won't always be as cool as I am now (ha!), but please know you can always come to me. If you are ever in need, I will be there. You will never feel judgment from me. 

I honestly cannot express to you how much you mean to me. I pray for your future, your happiness, your salvation, and your endurance through trials and struggles. You are like my own children. 

You are the reason I teach. You are the reason that getting up at 5 am isn't as bad as it could be. I want to see what you accomplish. I want you to come visit me. I am so proud of you. You make each work day worthwhile.

 I hope I have taught you to..

• be kind
• love everyone
• love and rely on Jesus
• not judge
• give and expect nothing in return
• girls- "don't let a guy run you over"- straight from the mouths of a group sitting in front of me (didn't even know I did that one lol) 
• boys-think before you speak
• be passionate about what you do 
• family always comes first 
• be a good friend
• .....and so much more!

"Mom" will forever be my favorite title.

Proverbs 22:6-"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it."