warm on the inside
March 17, 2009
My hands are always cold.
I’ve heard it said, “Cold hands. Warm heart. Hot legs.” but I’m not sure I buy that. I just know that sometimes mine are so chilly that I can hardly move them. Especially in the mornings.
So, I generally walk around my classroom and put my cold hands on the warm cheeks of my fifth graders. They squirm and giggle and say, “No, Mees!!” and I move along haphazardly through the desks with my cold fingers buried in my pockets.
This morning I was making the usual rounds as we read together and I stopped behind Camilo’s desk.
He’s the coolest kid in the class and we fight on a daily basis and yes, I always win. He’s not interested in school and would rather be playing golf or chasing girls at recess than listening to what I have to say. He’s smart enough to get away with it and honestly, I’ve wondered if reaching him was in the realm of possibility.
I stood there reading over his shoulder and without thinking put my cold fingers on his rosy, freckled cheeks. He didn’t take his eyes off of his chapter book as he rubbed his own hands together and then put them over mine.
In no time at all, my hands were as toasty warm as springtime sunshine on an open field and my heart was a puddle on the floor.
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March 17th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
You DO write pretty words…
March 17th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
See, you have those puddle moments of a melting heart too! How could you not! We’re enjoying spring break and I’m on a whirlwind tour of Texas.
March 18th, 2009 at 7:00 am
How sweet! A sign those kids love you so much!!!!
March 18th, 2009 at 7:05 am
How wonderful!! Thanks for sharing with those of us who teach adults instead of kids. And by the way, JP and I just had an in-depth conversation yesterday afternoon about why his hands are always so cold, even during the summer. His answer: cold hands, warm heart. But, he didn’t mention the legs part. Of course, he has chicken legs, so I’m not sure the saying applies to him. 🙂
March 18th, 2009 at 8:31 am
THAT will never be forgotten!
March 18th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
that is sooo sweet!
March 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Em, what a beautiful moment you shared!!
March 18th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Aw…. How sweet. Those kids really do love you. Girl my hands and feet stay cold all the time. I have heard the warm heart, but not the “Hot Legs”.lol
March 24th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
It’s always the ones who challenge us the most that win our hearts the fastest. Just remember that puddle next week when he’s the same little boy back in the same mode as before. Don’t forget about your puddle. THAT was your connection. Hope I have one soon….I’m fading fast at the end of the year! lol