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Published: June 17th 2013
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After we'd finished our last presentations, I stood up to give the speech team feedback. Normally, it's something I'd do in the next class, but this was our last time meeting together so I had to do it tonight. I was bone tired after a sleepless night and a necessary trip to Guangzhou. I knew we had a party planned for afterwards and just wanted to get through it all and go sleep. I was a bag of emotions. I was tired, I was sad to leave, I was excited for the party, I was proud of my students for doing such a great job. It was so obvious that they'd worked hard and improved over the course of the term; I don't usually see that in such great numbers.
As I was giving my remarks, I noticed that one of the vice-captains had left the room. "Where is he? Where did Jay go?" Everyone looked at me and tried to avoid eye contact. "He's missing the last bit. This stuff is important. Why did he leave?" You could tell someone wanted to say something. Just as one girl was about to, Jay returned.
I turned, and looked, confused.
Then I noticed two bags in his hand. One was plastic and the other looked like a gift bag. I looked at Jay. I looked at the team. I looked at Jay. I looked at the team. The realization slowly came over me that these were gifts for me. "Jay," I said, feeling awkward, "is that for me?"
"Yes, Kris, we got you these. We hope you will like them." I was clearly surprised and touched. It's Chinese custom that one does not open gifts in front of people; you take them home and open them later. But even after 5 years, I'm not Chinese. "Which one should I open first?"
"Uh, it doesn't really matter." Clearly, I don't think they expected me to open them there, either. The one I could see inside was a box of chocolates. Dark chocolate. My favorite! I pulled it out and showed everyone, a big grin on my face.
Then I opened bag number two. Inside was a photo album. On each page were printed photos from the past two years or personal notes from each member of the team. They'd drawn pictures, they'd written poems, they'd thanked me for
my teaching and inspiration. They all wished me well in Thailand. It was clear they'd put a lot of thought and time into this album.
I was overwhelmed. I couldn't speak. I had to turn away from them and try to compose myself. Suddenly, Jay was handing me a tissue to dry my eyes. I finally was able to turn back to the team and whisper a thank you. It's all I could get out, the lump in my throat was so big.
"Let's take a picture!" Jay yelled.
"Jay! I need a minute more. Not yet!" I said laughing and sniffling a little.
We then took several group photos and had a nice little party. Several students walked me home and I finally slept.
Sometimes it's easy to forget why I do what I do and to wonder if I'm making a difference. They've made sure I will always know it and never forget. It's the best gift ever.
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Home and Away
Bob Carlsen
Beautiful!
"Parting is such sweet sorrow."