So I was Back-to-School shopping with my children at Walmart today. I was buying both their school supply needs as well as some (more) things for my classroom. We were next in line with a full cart of fresh new school supplies when I was discussing with my teenager why I was separating our purchases (I wanted two receipts so I could keep track of how much I’ve spent this year on my classroom) and how I was fighting the urge to not over stock my classroom this year in preparation for the new students I will undoubtedly get over the school year while everything was still easy to find and on sale.

This is when the woman ahead of my in line asks, “Are you a school teacher?”  I, of course answered yes, and then she follows up with, “And your buying your own school supplies for your students?” Again I answered yes. It is not the first time someone has asked me in Walmart while I am Back-to-School shopping these questions….but what happened next is!!

She then proceeds to insist on making a contribution to my efforts to provide school supplies to my students, all while she is trying to put a wad of cash in my hand! I try and refuse, explaining this is what teachers do, but she is amazingly persistent. The thoughtful things she said about teachers, the work we do, and how meaningful it is almost made me cry! I had tears in my eyes as I tried to refuse her money, even stating I don’t even have parents of my students who try and contribute, but in the end she won. She wouldn’t hear of me refusing her kind gesture. I thanked her repeatedly, even as she was walking away out the door.

I am so touched by this act of kindness from a stranger. Even as I type this I have tears. So often as teachers we feel over worked and under appreciated. Even blamed for the problems of our students. This generous, kind woman, who took the money out of her own pocket to help me and my students, did something few others (who aren’t related to me) have done…made me feel valued and appreciated!

I did not ask your name today, but I do appreciate you and your kind generosity. THANK YOU!