My Savior

8-31-09

I know you think I am going to write about my real Lord and Savior in this space but I am not. I am going to write about the savior of my kindergarten class, Mr. Possum.

Last year was my first year teaching in an elementary school. I felt prepared because I had taught young children before in church. Also, I had an excellent resource as my sister is also an elementary music teacher. Little did I know the craziness that is kindergarten. My first days of teaching were horrible. I didn't have enough activities planned because their attention spans are about as long as a gnat's. Here I was in a class of 24 five year olds and about to become the victim of a major trampling or riot of noise when I remembered the possum.

A year prior to this, a friend had bestowed upon me a gift of a stuffed possum. It was a housewarming present. I didn't know that possums were a traditional new home present but I accepted the gift with joy nonetheless. I do love all animals and I knew that this possum would find his purpose in our lives sooner or later.

Back to my classroom and me about to be trampled when I remembered the possum. I named him the Awesome Possum and we called him Mr. Possum for short. On this particular day I grabbed the possum (whom many thought was actually a big rat) and said that Mr. Possum was looking for a student to sit with. He wanted someone who was sitting straight and tall and someone who was not talking. I have never seen a group of students snap to attention so quickly. Apparently everyone liked the possum and wanted to hold or touch him. It made getting them quiet very simple and also gave me an activity to fill up the rest of the class with. It was possum petting time. Thus Mr. Possum became my savior. Or maybe my hero? All the kids love to hold Mr. Possum and always try their very best to get him in their laps. They take very good care of him too. Earlier this year Mr. Possum's tail began to unravel at the seams. Everyone had to use great caution not to hurt his tail until he could get stitches. I told them he got into a fight with a raccoon. Mr. Possum sometimes gets a bad rap. I also blame him when I accidentally turn up the volume too high on the stereo or pick the wrong CD track. The kids think he is mischievous and I don't look quite so stupid.

I'd like to add another foresty friend to my classroom so if you see a cute squirrel or groundhog or even a badger around, let me know where to find him. Mr. Possum needs a pal.

Have a blessed evening and thanks for reading my 9th blog.