I sat in that seat
All those many years ago,
What I was going through,
How could even the most caring teacher know?
You knew what you saw,
What was in plain sight
But did you ever think,
That one day I would write?
A poem to thank you –
For working to understand,
For reaching out to me,
And extending a hand.
Looking back,
Did I show enough appreciation
For you being there for me,
And acting as my consolation?
When my rollercoaster car derailed
And I lost my sight,
My life as a student
Suddenly changed overnight.
There were so many things
I suddenly couldn’t do,
But that’s not how
I was viewed by you.
You led by example,
Seeing me before my disability;
When I needed assistance,
You helped me with great creativity.
You saw me as a person,
And wanted me to feel the same;
For me to feel like I belong
Was your only aim.
No one stopped to ask you
If this was something you knew –
From one day to the next,
It was thrust upon you.
Yet, you stepped up to the plate
With such amazing care –
Whatever I needed,
You were always there.
The confidence you built in me
Was worth more than any lesson or song.
Above all, you gave me the tools
To know that I belong.
So, if you’re wondering now
Whether all your efforts showed,
Please know – they helped become the strength
That I carry down life’s road.
Those are tools that I still hold
With me until today,
They push me forward
On my most difficult day.
You took a time
That was so challenging for me,
And gave me memories
That I think of so fondly
Though many years have passed us by,
And life has gone its way,
The gifts you gave still walk with me,
Every single day.
So if you are a teacher now,
Don’t underestimate your part –
Every gesture, smile, or encouragement
Will forever remain in your students’ hearts.