Remember my beloved 9/11 pin that I gifted to the granddaughter of a NYC firefighter, who fought bravely that terrible day? Here is what happened: 9/11 – Learning and Giving, Today
The story doesn’t end there.
This week I went to the library for my Read-Aloud group. I arrived early, and there was a card with a small package on the table.
I couldn’t imagine what is was, or why. I opened the card to read a beautiful poem.
You treasured your pin
but felt the need to part
This new one’s framed in gold
Just like your heart.
Love Always,
A Former Aqua Roomer
I was dumbfounded at such a poem. What beautiful words! I opened the box.
And there was my pin – but better – in gold.
As soon as this happened my Read-Aloud group arrived. I was still in a state of shock and wonder. This was the first meeting of the year, and I didn’t know many of the children. I immediately said, “You won’t believe what happened. There is a mystery gift, right here. Do you want to see?”
Of course they wanted to see! Everyone was pressed against me as I read the poem and opened the box. There was silence. I told the children about my pin, and why I gave it away. We talked about 9/11 for a bit, and then we read the poem again. Children need poetry.
What a wonderful way to meet my new library reading group!
The question remains, who is the Former Aqua Roomer, the Mystery Gifter? I asked the librarian and my fellow teachers. Everyone had ideas, but no one knew.
That’s when it struck me – the pleasure of giving is far greater than the pleasure of receiving. No wonder the Mystery Gifter wants to remain in stealth mode. I get it. Now I am smiling. I want to be a Mystery Gifter, too.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I love mystery gifters. This story just keeps getting better and better. xo
Thank you, Darlene. What a wonderful surprise, right?
🤍🖤
Thank you for the heartwarming post to start my day!
You are welcome. Liz! 😀
Wow! This gave me chills!
I’m so glad! 💕
How precious!
Thank you!
Hurrah for such a thoughtful, generous mystery gifter! Mystery gifts (such as anonymous Valentines…) have a special power.
They certainly do! This one was wonderful!
Oh my, I have goosebumps, and tears! What a wonderful gift and mystery to share! The pin and poem are marvelous and treasures for sure!!
Thanks so much, Deborah. I feel the same way!
That’s a wonderful testament to how you touch your little students hearts, and that it never is forgotten. X
Thank you for your kind words, FR!
Jennie, this brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing experience ~and to share it with the children ~another blessing. Yes, it’s a double blessing to give. Being a mystery gifter is incredibly soul satisfying. Do you know what a gift you are to us (no mystery there!)? Many hugs and blessings! 🌈🌈❤️💕💚🙏🏻
Awww… that’s so nice, Karla. Thank you! 💕
It’s my pleasure, Jennie! 💕🌈🤗
How wonderful. That truism–the pleasure of giving is far greater than the pleasure of receiving–is a gift we receive with age don’t you think?
Yes, I think so, too! Thanks, Jacqui.
Jennie, if you narrowed this down to the people who love and appreciate you, you’d still have a large group to consider. I am so happy for you.
That’s so nice, Dan. Thank you!
You have that way of affecting the hearts of all your Aqua Roomers so the giver may stay anonymous forever. Thank you for sharing this.
I think you’re right on remaining anonymous forever. I actually think that’s pretty special. Thanks so much, Marlene.
What a wonderful gift, Jennie. Abd your former Aqua Roomer knows you so well 💛🤗
One of the nicest gifts, ever. I think that former student must know me well. 🥰
How delightful! You’ve impacted so many of your students; it probably could have come from many possibilities. What a thoughtful gesture that speaks to their love and respect for their special teacher.
It’s probably one of the best gifts I’ve received. Yes, it could be from anyone, recent or past. Thanks so much, Pete.
So touching, Jennie.
Yes! I was (and still am) very touched.
Bless the gifter.
Hear, hear!
😁
Obviously your former Aqua Roomer knew much of the backstory to you giving your pin away – that in itself must have made a huge impact on them. And once again opening the door for your new library group to be a part of the link.
My former students wouldn’t know the backstory, as it just happened this 9/11, but there are parents who follow me on FB and know what happened. They could have told their children. I also have parents who were former students. It’s a mystery, and I think the giver wants it to be that way. What a great way to open my new library group! Thank you, Laura.
Very nice. The person probably would like to be found out, too.
Thank you, Steve. I’m thinking the person wants to remain anonymous, but who knows.
How wonderful. Isn’t there a saying that goes something like ‘give and you shall receive’?
I think there are many sayings. I grew up with ‘It is always better to give than to receive’.
Yes. I agree with that one too.
😀
What a wonderful and heartwarming story, Jennie! Thanks for sharing it, also as another remembrance on this horrible past. xx Michael
Thank you on both counts, Michael.
Jennie, the world needs more sharing of such heartwarming stories! What a fantastic start to your reading group and bless the mystery giver!
Hi Jennie, wow, what an amazing gift. There is a saying about kindness being returned 1000 fold 💗
I love it. (The day we were going to Atkins the sky let loose in torrential rains. Soon I hope.)
😀
What a lovely mystery surprise and kindness. I think kids are naturally generous and they must have loved the anonymous gift. How fun. Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
Thank you, Diana. Yes, it was a lovely surprise, and children are natural givers. I may never know the giver, and that is probably a good thing – for both of us.
What a beautiful gift Jennie. Your kids are paying it forward. ❤
Yes they are! Really wonderful. 💕
❤