Our astronaut / veteran / Navy Captain / pen-pal has been ill and hospitalized. I had to tell the children. Life can throw you a bunch of curves, and learning how handle adversity is a life lesson. That’s why I had to tell the children.
Immediately the children wanted to send him a card. They were worried about him. They didn’t want him to miss Christmas. So we made him a big card. Well, the children made it. Actually they planned and designed the whole thing.
They told me the words to write on the cover. Then, instead of drawing pictures on the card, children made individual pictures, cut them out, and glued them to the card.
If you look carefully, there are moons and stars, a Christmas tree, and even outer space. They know Jon well.
The best part was including photos of the children being astronauts in our home made spacecraft. Of course they’re on their backs with a control panel and a phone to call Houston.
Landon wanted to draw a complete Christmas picture to cheer him up.
Christmas means giving, and making this card was a highlight of the week. I won’t tell the parents that this meant as much if not more to them than the holiday gifts they made.
Act of giving something to others is an art of flowering your heart.
-Vinayak-
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
How very sweet, I love this
Thank you, Beth!
Oh, how precious 💜🎄
🎄😍❤️
Fabulous Jennie. Kids are a marvel. I bet it meant the world to him.
I mailed it the next day. He should get it tomorrow. Surely he will be touched.
I copied this image just for you and the children. I hope you all have a magnificent Christmas!!
Thank you so much, GP!
This is so lovely to read. I’m sorry to hear your friend isn’t well ❤
Thank you!
You are very welcome. I hope you are well and have a nice day and a very merry Christmas ❤
You, too!
These kids get it. How wonderful. All the best for a fabulous Christmas break. xo
Thank you, Darlene. Merry Christmas to you! 🎄
Compassion is a wonderful trait in anyone! It is nice that the children are learning that young.
It really is. It’s never too early to grow a big heart. ❤️
What a touching gesture. I’m sure it made him feel very special. These are good kids, Jennie.
I think he will be touched, Dan. Yes, they are good kids. I was so proud of them.
Somehow, illness at Christmas seems worse than at other times. Your children knew best how to send Jon some Christmas cheer.
Best wishes, Pete.
It really does seem worse at Christmas. I’m so glad the children’s first thought was to cheer him up. Best to you, Pete.
There was no better gift to give than these well wishes drawn and sent with love, I’m sure these would have cheered him up no end.
What a wonderful class you have, well done to all. 💚🎅🎄🤗
Thank you, Sue. I think you are right! 🎄😍
So sorry to hear of your class’ penpal being hospitalized. Hopefully he is healing well.
I’m sure the class card will lift his spirits.
Thank you, Laura. I think his illness gives the children more reason to feel close to him and grow their hearts.
Absolutely beautiful. Children have such kind hearts, so thankful that you are there to nurture that part. Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much!
This made me smile. I love the card and the homemade space shuttle! I’m sure Jon will love it too.
Thanks so much, Alethea! I truly think Jon will love this.
I am so awed, Jennie, that your classroom is full of wonder!
Thank you so much, John! Merry Christmas to you! 🎄
Good to know they are so caring. Lovely post. Hope John feels better soon.
Thanks so much, Anneli. The children did such a great job and showed their true kindness colors. I hope he’s on the mend. 🙂
It’s very important for children to learn empathy. I don’t think it’s something that comes naturally to all.
You’re right on both counts. And the best way to learn it is through experiences, and watching others in acts of kindness. Best to you, Anneli. 🙂
And to you, Jennie.
😀
Beautiful story and quote. ❤ Merry Christmas to all!
Thank you, Bette. Merry Christmas! 🎄
A beautiful Card, Jennie. I’m sure the children feel better knowing they could do something to cheer Jon. it is sad our heroes are fading. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, John. The children definitely felt better putting the card together for Jon. It was a genuine act of kindness on their part. It is truly sad that we’re loosing our heroes.
😊
A beautiful card, a beautiful quote and beautiful post, Jennie! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet kids! 🎄❤
Thank you so much, Sarah! I’m glad you enjoyed it. ❤️ Merry Christmas to you! 🎄
I’m so sorry to hear that Jon isn’t well. I expect that the cards from the children will at least brighten his day a bit. (I like the spacecraft. Very cool.)
I think they will brighten his day. He is out of the hospital, so that is good news. The spacecraft is definitely cool, and very popular. 🙂 Thank you, Liz.
I’m glad to hear Jon is out of the hospital.
Me, too! Thank you, Liz.
Kids have the biggest hearts. It’s so wonderful they have an open space to express it. How wonderful to see those wonders every day.
They really do have the biggest hearts. I am so lucky to be a part of their wonder and giving. ❤️
I love children, and you for loving them! Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Cindy! 😍
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is a wonderful post on Christmas from Jennie, the extraordinary teacher!
Thank you so much, Charles!
This is not only sweet but very clever.
Thank you!
Why am I not surprised by this, Jennie? What a perfect way to teach your students about compassion. Your astronaut friend is going to be completely tickled by this. I absolutely love the homemade spacecraft—something these students will never forget.
I was a little unsure about telling them he was hospitalized, but I should have known right away they would rally to reach out to him. I think Jon will have a big smile on his face when he sees the card. And the spacecraft is awesome. We have to put the timer on so the children all get a turn. Thank you, Pete.
Aw, you have some really sweet children there. I love the picture of them calling to Houston. There may be a problem but it isn’t with your children. Thay have hearts the size of ten grinches, plus two! Excellent post! Makes me feel better! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Merry Christmas 🎄
And to you! 🎄
I am sorry that Jon is ill. I am sure he will love the Christmas card and pictures. Merry Christmas, Jennie.
Thank you for your kind words, Robbie. Merry Christmas to you. 🎄
PRECIOUS!
❤️
God bless the children. Happy holidays Jennie ❤
Aren’t they the true gifts? Happy holidays to you, Debby. ❤️🎄
Thank you Jennie ❤
You’re welcome, Debby. 😍
What a beautiful thing to do!!! This is what the Christmas spirit is about! Merry Christmas to you, my friend!
Thank you, Jill. Yes, that’s what the spirit of Christmas is all about! I was so proud of the children. Merry Christmas To You, Jill. 🎄
How sweet! This is definitely what Christmas is all about.
It really is! Thank you, Magarisa.
The gesture of the pupils is wonderful. You have done a really great job, Jennie! Hope you have a beautiful Christmas/ holiday season. Sorry, i am very late, as always. Michael
Thank you, Michael!
Love this post! I read it out loud to my family as everyone cooks something (soup, cole slaw, apple pie, and more) in the kitchen in my sisters’ farm in upstate NY. A lovely note on which to end 2019…
Really?! That is such a wonderful thing for you to do. I love every post about your family, and something tells me this put a smile on many faces. Thanks so much, Will. Happy New Year!
This is lovely. I think my son’s favourite part of Christmas was actually getting to hang out with his cousins.
That’s wonderful!
Just goes to show why Christmas is for kids…they educate us instead!
They really do. I wish all adults and teachers understood that. Thanks, KC!