#27 : #PotterBehindthePot

 

"Potter Behind the Pot "

 Good Morning Madam, all the Class Five students greeted  Mrs Thompson as she entered the class. Very Lovely morning to you all, She greeted them back. Although she gave a lovely morning wish, Teddy was one student she didn't like, as he was notorious , Shabby, not sincere and used to distract in her class.

Good Afternoon fellow Toastmasters and Dear Guests  

Teddy  doesn't use to concentrate or listen in class. Soon  Midterm exams happened, Mrs Thompson prepared a progress report of her class. While reviewing the reports, Headmistress commented I don't see any progress in Teddy's report, as Mrs Thompson specifically wrote all negative comments about him.  Headmistress wanted to know how this boy was in his previous classes, so she requested his previous year's report cards.

               When she opened his file, there was a surprise for her. His 1^st-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright, inquisitive student child. He does his work neatly and has good manners ".  His 2^nd-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student and well-liked by this classmate, but he is troubled because of his mother terminal illness  ". His 3^rd-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy continues to work hard, but his mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't take much interest; his home life will impact if some steps are not taken ". His 4^th-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn, doesn't show much interest in school, doesn't have any friends, and sometimes sleeps in class; he could become a problem ".

               Now Mrs Thompson realized and understood. She now uses to take care of him. She used to pat him,  encourage him in whatever small Achievements he uses to make. By Now, Christmas had arrived, her students bought presents for her; they were beautifully wrapped with gift papers. Teddy wrapped it in clumsy brown paper, a pair of bangles with abased beads and a bottle that was only one-quarter full of cologne. She stifled the children's laughter when she wore the bangles and exclaimed how pretty they were and dabbed some of the perfume behind her wrist.

               Teddy stayed behind just long enough to say, "Mrs Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom uses to. "After the children left, she cried at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching , reading, writing and speaking. Instead, she began teaching children.

               Years passed by, Mrs Thompson was his favourite teacher. They use to meet frequently  when in school  , while he was in  college, he was in constant touch with  her. He used to write Letters and update himself regularly. One day she directly got the invitation to his Wedding, along with return tickets and a lot of insistence.

               She hesitatingly went to his Wedding in the church and sat behind; soon after, few folks came and escorted her to the front row, where a chair was empty written "Mother "on that. Mrs Thompson wore the missing beads bracelet and her mothers' perfume. They hugged each other. Teddy whispered in her ear, "Thank you in believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel so important and showing me that I could make the difference

               Mrs Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back, "Teddy, you have it all wrong . You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference . I didn't know how to teach until I met you ".

You never can tell what type of impact you can make on another's life by your actions. Never judge a person as he/she may be reacting because of their fears; we need to understand the fears and address that to build confidence and trust.

               You might know how Pots are made. Potter put one hand inside for support always and then pat or shape the Pot by hitting outside. Parents and teachers are like those who shape us by constantly supporting us from the inside and guiding/shaping us from the outside, even it has to be strict. Teachers and Parent are our potters behind the Pot.