Thank you IX-D!!!

Thank you IX-D!

“We need you to come to our class tomorrow,” were the blurted words that greeted me even as I opened the door to my office. Two anxious sets of eyes peered at me as I gazed at them quizzically and responded with the natural, “Why?”

“Oh, for no particular reason,” was the artless reply, even as their eyes slid away and attempted to find something else to rest on – anything would do, so long as they didn't have to look into mine!

With a growing suspicion I asked,”What’s going on?”

“Nothing Ma’am. Absolutely nothing at all,” was the super quick rely, followed by the query,” You will come, won’t you?”

How do you respond when you have 2 sets of hopeful eyes looking at you? For me, there was only one possible answer. “I would love to”. Sometimes you have to give in to the inevitable with good grace!

But the reaction to my words quickly dispelled the uneasiness behind my reply – the pure delight, followed by the question, “What time would suit you Ma’am?” left me smiling.

“Would the first period do?”

“Oh yes, Ma’am! Perfectly. See you then!” and off they ran, their body language triumphant and assured – mission accomplished!

Well the next day dawned and I got busy with the usual morning round of responsibilities, when there was a sudden knock at my door and Elizabeth peered around the door to announce, “ The boys from 9D are here to escort you.” With a start I remembered my promise and promptly (and happily – I am always delighted to be able to leave the confines of my official space – I call it my ‘gilded cage’!) set off, with the Johnian gentlemen courteously gesturing with an old world charm, for me to precede them. And so I did until we arrived collectively at the door to 9D.

As I entered, I saw a host of cheerful, bright faces rising to greet me. What followed was pure joy - all the more delightful because it was completely unexpected. I don’t think there is a person alive on this planet who does not like to hear someone say something nice about them. Well – 9D said plenty! For a good 10 minutes I was surrounded with speeches, poems, cards, flowers, chocolates and even a portrait sketch of myself! It was a moment in time that I will always treasure – a memory to warm myself with when the world becomes a cold, insensitive place and I sit isolated in my ‘ivory tower’.

To appreciate others is a dying phenomenon. So busy are we with ourselves, that we rarely take the time to pause and let others know how dear they are to us. As I told 9D – “We all need encouragement. Today you did that for me. You just made my day”

Thank you 9D!!