i feel like sometimes i try to minimize the importance of my first year placement working with my kindergarteners. i miss those kids. not just because they loved me and told me so; not just because they hugged me and wanted to be my best friend. i loved being there for those kids--showing them that they were valuable and loved. no matter how their parents treated them--our relationship was different. a new experience with an adult who cared. some of those kids had experienced that before but most of them had not. some of those kids sought me out more than others--they needed me more. i'm glad i was there--maybe now these kids can growing up knowing some people in life are worth trusting--some adults care about them and want the best for them. some adults by presents for them and give them pizza without expecting anything in return. i hope these kids grow up happy and with a strong support system. i'm sad i won't be there to see it happen but i know God is protecting them all.