This might seem a bit strange to be considered a Perfect Moment,
especially since it happened on the day I decided to take medical leave from
work to take care of my health.
I had been fighting the doctor’s advice for a while,
thinking I could “Superwoman” through just about anything. But I eventually
found that just because I might want to do something in my head and heart, the
body does not always agree.
So, the time came to tell my students, and I have to admit I
was able to do it without crying which had been my big challenge. Because they
mean so much to me, but also because this would be the first time in 30 years I
was not working.
I made it through the first group, and then on my last day
had to tell the second group of students. It helped that some of them had
already heard!
I was doing just fine until my boss started talking about
how 8 years ago we had joined together to re-launch this Newswatch program at
the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, and how much I meant to him and the
more than 800 students we have taught during our time together. I was OK, until
his voice started cracking.
Then it was my turn to speak. I think I was able to get out
the words “Thank you” and “Remember to work hard and have confidence in your
skills” before all of a sudden I felt the tears start to well up. It was
incredibly emotional and all I could do at that point was say, “Just use what I
taught you” and then I held up my hand and added, “I’m done.”
That’s when it started, the students all started hugging me,
one by one, some crying, all saying I was the toughest teacher they had ever
had, but they were so going to miss me because they knew I cared.
One even stood for a while sobbing on my shoulder. I was
there comforting her after spending two semesters seeing her at least two days
a week, sometimes more, and really enjoying watching her grow. Her feelings were so raw, and heartfelt, and
then I started crying again with her.
Another student even hugged me and pressed a note into my
hand saying please read this letter later. It was a note telling me she
appreciated my no-bullshit approach to things, and loved that I challenged
everyone to be better. She thanked me for caring about her.
No, I think it goes the other way, I thank all my students for
caring about me. They called; they wrote on Facebook; they instant messaged me.
Former students I hadn’t heard from in years, reaching out to say “Hang in
there, get better and get back to work!”
I was touched at the overwhelming support and love I have
felt since making this tough decision to finally put myself first. I am a very
blessed woman with amazing students, wonderful, supportive colleagues and a
wife who is with me every step of the way. I also have amazing doctors! Just
knowing all these people are behind me, supporting me, hoping to see me back
walking the halls of Cronkite again and asking “What else ya got?” in our
morning news meetings gives me hope, and courage, and the will to also get
healthy and get back.
So, my Perfect Moment was in getting the opportunity to
really know how much people care for me, and that is a gift I will remember
forever.
Sue, Phoenix
1 comment:
How wonderful that you were showered with respect and love. And that you noticed all your blessings.
Now you've made me think about all of mine!
Perfect :-)
Wishing you health and wellness, Sue.
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