For Random Act of Kindness #3, I honored the memory of Lauren Rousseau, a substitute teacher for Sandy Hook Elementary. As an educator myself, I can appreciate the valuable service substitutes provide for occasions when the regular classroom teacher has to be absent from class. Their job is one of the hardest in the educational system, in my opinion. They have to be flexible, open-minded, quick on their feet, and deal with unexpected circumstances all day long. With a humble heart, I decided to take the time and say “Thanks” to an unknown substitute teacher!
I decorated a coffee mug with a silver sharpie and filled it with chocolate “Bliss” candies. I also included a Thank You note with the surprise.
(The mug says “Super Substitute” all the way around the outside.)
I took my goodies to my son’s elementary school (on a dreary day filled with rain, so I KNEW this would bring a smile) and asked the secretary to deliver it to a substitute. “ANY substitue?” she asked. I smiled, explained my purpose, then added, “Yes… ANY substitute. You get to pick!” I then walked out of the office with a happy heart.
When was the last time someone thanked you for a job well done? It’s something we do not hear often enough. Today I am thankful for substitute teachers. For Lauren. For my cousin, Amy. For my friends Becky, Kelleigh, Amy, Beth, Lea, Stephanie, and all the other amazing teachers who fill the shoes of others every day. I am inspired by their tenacity and love for children. I can only hope that the family of Lauren Rousseau will know just how special she was to the students and teachers at her school.
Be blessed my friends and keep paying it forward!
Lauren’s favorite color was purple so it’s great the candy and card were in purple for an act of kindness in her name. Her friends and family all wore purple to her funeral. Thank you for remembering my wonderful, loving friend with an act of kindness.