The Hand

Hi Parents -

I am sure for most of you a day doesn't go by when you hear your child say "Thanks Mom for making my breakfast", or "Thanks Mom for washing my clothes I really appreciate it."...but for those few parents that do not hear these accolades on a regular basis please read this story and know that you are making a difference!

My 71 year old father sent this story to me recently after he visited our house and observed how much I do for my children while working full-time. He told me to keep doing what I am doing because even if they do not verbalize their appreciation on a regular basis my efforts are making a huge difference in shaping their future and some day they will recognize the foundation that I am providing for them.

Thanks Dad! - You and Mom are my life support system and I am thankful for you!

The Hand

The first grade teacher asked her 6 year old students to draw a picture of something that they are thankful for. Since Thanksgiving was approaching, most kids drew pictures of turkeys and other traditional goodies for the season, but Douglas drew a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery and unhappiness. When Douglas was asked to draw a picture of something he was thankful for he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers and they all started guessing whose hand it could be. One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer because farmers raise turkeys. One child guessed it was the hand of God for God feeds us. And so the discussion went until the teacher finally paused and bent down at Douglas' desk and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him places and another time when she took his hand to show him how to hold the pencil correctly or worked with him to do a project together. Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.

Brushing aside a tear she went on with her work.

This story speaks of more than thankfulness, this story speaks to every teacher teaching, to every parent parenting and to every friend showing friendship, and how much your efforts mean to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks, but they will remember the hand that reached out to help them.

Parents -

Keep doing what you are doing as you are the hand that is making a difference!