TEACHER APPRECIATION AND NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week occur in the same week, which is no coincidence because both professions are highly esteemed. However, each profession deserves its special week separately.

Teachers and nurses are my heroes. When I was young, teachers encouraged me every step of the way, even giving me a reason to continue living and learning when I had lost hope that life would be any better. Nurses represented the largest number of my employees when I managed a rehabilitation hospital. It was a privilege to work alongside them.

Have you ever noticed that women dominate those two professions? Women are most drawn to nursing and teaching because they have compassion for others, although I have worked with outstanding male nurses and exceptional male educators. Heaven knows they aren’t attracted to those professions because of money, although it’s shameful they aren’t paid much more.

I’ve seen nurses advocate and treat patients when doctors were nowhere around. I’ve observed nurses catching mistakes by the doctors and calling the doctor, only to be reprimanded for awakening them. I’ve witnessed doctors throwing temper tantrums and throwing charts at the nurses’ station, although that stopped early in my career when I threatened to report misbehavior to the ethics board. I’ve known nurses to be at the bedside of a dying patient, holding their hand until the patient’s last breath. What always stood out the most to me was the look of compassion in a nurse’s eyes, which never dims, no matter how they are treated.

Attending a celebration for Eanes Independent School District educators this week at a luncheon sponsored by my Westlake Rotary Club was a privilege. We recognize an educator of the month at each EISD campus and give them a modest check to show our appreciation. At the end of the year, we award an Educator of the Year at the luncheon, and again, every teacher who received Educator of the Month is recognized by their principal. What an inspiration to hear how exceptional, compassionate, and dedicated each is! It’s personal for me, as my public school experience was outstanding, as is Eanes Independent School District, where my grandchildren attend. Most of us have no idea what a teacher must face daily, from children who misbehave to demanding and sometimes unreasonable parents. However, each would tell us it’s worth seeing children engaged, learning, and progressing.

So, today, my heart and appreciation go out to all the educators and nurses, both current and retired. Many are my beloved friends, and all are heroes.

Pictured are the Eanes ISD Educators of the Month and their Principals.