Saturday, December 15, 2012

Prayers on a Pink Saturday


I loved everything about Fifth Grade at Tayac Elementary School. I loved the row of windows trimmed in forest green that looked out upon the playground. I loved the flecked linoleum floor that was always shiniest on Monday mornings. I loved the big round clock above the classroom's chalkboard, and I loved my teacher, Mrs.Williams.


Mrs.Williams hair was slightly pink, and I loved this about her. She wore glasses that hung from a gold chain around her neck that were slipped on her nose when she wanted the class to come to attention. Mrs. Williams demanded excellence in her class, and we took this very seriously. We wanted to be the best class she had ever taught.


The first order of business each morning was the collection of our dimes for the Red Cross. Our dimes handed one by one to Mrs. Williams, an entry into our little log books, 10 cents paid on this day. When our books were filled, a little tin button to wear with pride.


Reading and writing, long division and fractions, history and science, we worked hard at them all. "This year will set the tone for all your school years to come." stated Mrs. Williams. "Do well here, and you will do well always."


The hours and days and months spent in Mrs. Williams classroom belonged to us alone. We were apart from our parents and strove to stand on our own. Everything seemed possible, and everything was because we were Fifth Graders at Tayac Elementary School.


School Valentines are my most favorite thing in the world. Scrawled signatures from classmates forever remembered in the heart for having shared such precious days together.


With each Valentine that I held in my hand while making these sweet ornaments, I said a prayer for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School knowing that their day began with love for their school and their teacher and their classmates; and I said a prayer that all children should be safe in their schools.

24 comments:

busymartha said...

We loved school growing up, it set us on our own course in life. What a shame that it is not a safe haven anymore.

Unknown said...

You hit the memories right on the head...perfect! And I also thought of those sweet kiddos as I read your post....no words for it....juts no words....

Laura said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura said...

That was my kindergartens teacher name :), your description of her sounds just like the one I knew but she worked at Osage school...we only had kindergarten kids in the whole school. They had an elementery school for the first graders. I love old Valentines cards they were so much better back then..
It is very sad about those children, the staff and their families....There are no words just prayers for comfort but it never goes away....I know because I loss my dear daughter Ashley she was only 19...and it could have been prevented but some stupid boys decided to race when my baby was in one of the vehicles... a link about her follows
http://thatissovintageohmy.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-post-is-in-loving-memory-of-my.html

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Those children and their families have been on my mind all day along with the teachers...
I LOVED Valentines Day at school. Kindergarten was the best for me! The sweetest teacher, coloring, singing...good memories...
You have me thinking about making Valentines now!
Warmly,
deb

Ina said...

Amen

Perfectly Printed said...

I think many of us agree.....exchanging Valentine's is a ton of fun, and prayers to the those who we involved in yesterday's tragedy.

chris

Eileen said...


There but for the grace of God go I.

Thank you for your tender and human approach to life. You're here for many.

Eileen

Eileen said...


There but for the grace of God go I.

Thank you for your tender and human approach to life. You're here for many.

Eileen

RetroSandie said...

Times are so different now from when I went to elementary school. Less violence, less fear, more innocense. Elementary school children should not have to experience this sort of horrific crime. Times must change.

laurie -magpie ethel said...

No words to express the sorrow for the latest event...such an innocent time in life and a place that is supposed to be safe and nurturing. Sad, sad day...

Celestial Charms said...

Hello Elizabeth,
Beautiful valentines, and special school remembrances. My heart aches for those families affected. My brother lives only a ten minute drive from that school. His youngest daughter attends a different elementary school, but none-the-less, this tragedy has hit very close to home.
Hugs,
Maureen

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Dear E-
I think we are so similar,
very very sensetive. We also notice all the teeny tiny things, whether it's a flecked linoleum floor, or the way a person walks.
The valentine's exchange we did when I was in 3rd grade is one of my favorite memories. The way we each got to decorate a shoe box of our own. For two weeks, the first thing you did when you got to class was to shake your box and see if it felt heavier. Have more been added?
Oh how I wish I had held on to that box and all of those Valentines! I think it's why my Vintage Valentine collection is so huge and out of control! Because they represent innocence!
I'm so sad as I type this and realize that there are now 20 children who won't be making Valentines this year. :(
Bless Their Hearts,
Erica

Anonymous said...

I wish I had happy memories of school but I don't. :( Your valentines are so precious, though! ♥

Denise said...

Elizabeth, I posted the wreath you gave Me.I hope you like it.Remember though,I had to add a few bits to it because My wire frame was bigger. OX Denise

Janet's Creations said...

I cannot imagine what those families are going through. Such pain when there should be joy at this time of year and to be remembered year after year.

I have a few vintage Valentine cards that I have collected over the years. I love the lace, the moving parts, and the pop-ups. So charming.

pattyjean said...

How poignant , thank you.

pattyjean said...

How poignant , thank you.

Unknown said...

Thank you Elizabeth.

Sally Annie Magundy said...

A sweet tribute to the innocence of childhood, the gift of wonderful teachers and those lost Elizabeth.

Wishing the families and the community, comfort and peace.

Pieceful Bits said...

Oh E! What a sweet post. My heart aches for those children, their families, and the community. I work at a school and my husband told me to be safe today. He is a framing carpenter, working with power tools and walking walls. Such a sad, sad time that we have to fear sending our loved ones off to school. I also loved school. Blessings

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

I love this post. I am attending my granddaughter's Christmas concert tomorrow morning at the elementary school. She is in 4th grade. The other two grandsons are in kindergarten, one at the same school and another at a different school. Thank goodness, because if they had things on the same days I would be in big trouble. I know tomorrow morning I will be very grateful to be able to see my granddaughter up on stage, and my heart will break for the parents of our lost children.
Julie

Denise said...

Merry Christmas Elizabeth and God bless you and yours.

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