“Hate Mail and Hurrahs!”

Dear Teacher,  
 

No bones about it, Bill loves Halloween.  Every October, he took pride in his annual skeleton display that's proudly centered in his front yard.  There in Oxford, Ohio, this former Serviceman has enjoyed positioning skeletons to represent iconic nationalism, like the flag raising at Iwo Jima.  Yet, Bill's favorite holiday ushers in his least favorite thing: Hate mail.  Countless times he's received letters declaring him a "Satan Lover" and a "Devil Worshiper."  Often, with such attacks, Bill has been so deeply hurt and discouraged that he's considered taking down his playful displays.  "They just don't see what I'm doing here and how hard I'm working to bring joy."

Yet, Bill's courage boosted when he recently received a letter from Cathy.  Amidst other envelopes filled with angry messages, Cathy's letter was different.  She wrote of her recent cancer diagnosis and accompanying weekly drive for chemotherapy.  Her route, as it turned out, took her directly past Bill's yard with its skeleton display.  "The Skeleton Family," she wrote, "Is the highlight of my trip.  I always look forward to seeing what they are up to."  

Upon receipt of her letter,  Bill busily ordered more skeletons the next week, arranging them in various positions -- Some wearing pink ribbons, others holding posters declaring "Happy last day of chemo!"  Despite his naysayers, Bill's mission was now focused on just one thing: Cheerleading for Cathy through a difficult time in life.

And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, endure attacks, as well.  You may be criticized by your school board, questioned by a parent, or undermined by a student.  With such attacks, then, it's understandable that you've likely been so deeply hurt and discouraged that you've considered quitting.  "They just don't see what I'm doing here and how hard I'm working to bring joy," you may have said.  

Yet, somewhere in your school, amidst the naysayers and the toxic stakeholders, is a student that looks forward to every day with you as his/her teacher.  Your classroom is an escape from their homelife.  Your teaching is a gift of love and acceptance.  Your presence is an act of Christlike servitude and dedication.  Despite the critics, you choose to refocus your mission on just one thing: Cheerleading for students through their difficult times in life. 

Cheerleading with you,

Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor