Jump to the Skies
“We watched, and he taught us like he did every day we were with him. He showed us how to forgive.”
Something wicked this way came. In the form of the flu. I’ve been in bed for 21 straight hours, in and out of consciousness; there have been hazy moments where I wondered if Rachel thinks she’s ridin solo. A slightly strange thought to have in the throes of sickness I know, but still they came. So here’s my attempt to give Rachel some reassurance and Mr. Terupt his due.
The honorable Mr. Frost said, “There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you up with so much quail shot that you can’t move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies.” Mr. Terupt’s fifth graders find the azure thanks to their teacher who understands that the classroom is far bigger than most imagine. Yes, he uniquely teaches math and science, but he also underscores kindness and forgiveness every bit as much. Terupt teaches lessons that last well beyond the bell. Without knowledge of their personal struggles, he gives his students the gift of perspective—and they are the wiser and more able because of it. Would I trade my very own fifth grade teacher Mrs. Collins for Mr. Terupt. You betcha. And while I’m just guessing on this one, I think Luke and Jonah would too.
Two thumbs way up for Mr. Terupt! Much as I don’t love sequels, something tells me I’m gonna be on the hook for Mr. Terupt Falls Again, and Saving Mr. Terupt. My boys are all in.