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Over the Years


It's early morning.  The last day of school for 2012 is upon us as Winter Break will begin at 3:00 pm today.  The classroom is empty with the exception of the Christmas music playing in the background.  The students' desks are neatly waiting for their owners to arrive.  On each desk lay a Friday Reflection assignment, a candy cane, and two spearmint starlight mints.  

I've spent 18 years working with children ranging from ages 5-12.  Beginning in 1994 in my hometown of Oak Park working with Hephzibah Children's Association until 2001 when I had my first 4th grade class here at Lincoln.  Over those many years I have witnessed the delight in hundreds of childrens' eyes at the mention of Christmastime and the Holiday Season.  

Times have changed dramatically since my first experience working with kids.  Five Presidents have been elected, the millennium was ushered in under the cloak of Y2K, the Twin Towers fell and brought with it the fall of the times we once knew, wars have been waged-fought-ended, natural disasters have plagued our planet, exploration of outer space has made leaps and bounds bringing us images beyond belief, technology has soared into realms that mirror Star Trek and The Jetsons, the Doomsday warnings have come and gone, groups of people have "occupied" cities and government agencies and agendas, violence has taken a turn towards the most vulnerable, friendships have been made between individuals and societies.  
Personally speaking, I secured a job that has brought me joy.  I met my beautiful wife and had three gorgeous children.  I've lost many family members young and old, have gone through 7 cars and lived in 3 apartments, one condo and two houses.  I've housed two cats and one dog.  I live with the knowledge and experience of one of my children battling a terminal illness.   I have watched my children, my nieces, and my nephews grow and flourish, and they continue to do so.

With all that has changed (and I'm sure there is more I could write) one thing has remained constant.

The unconditional love of children.  

Just as I was writing this reflection two children brought presents in for their classmates, secretly placed them on their desks, and scurried out of the room, giggling inside, I'm sure, as they felt the goodness of the Holiday Spirit. 
The unconditional love of children hasn't changed a bit and never will...for it's through this love they naturally possess that makes our world go 'round.  It's from this love that we, as adults, seek to better the world for them.

As you journey through this Holiday Season, as you reflect on the year past, take some time to look into the eyes of your child and fill yourself with the wonderment of their unconditional love for you.



Mr. Casten
Dec. 21, 2012

Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

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