Today is my birthday. When I came to school this morning, my director hugged me and said, “Happy birthday.” I was surprised. How did she know? When I was walking to my class, I saw some parents were waiting by the classroom door. They said, “Happy birthday, Ms. Frances.” Wow, looked like everybody knew today is my birthday. Where did they get that from? I just wondered. Sooner I found out what happened. There was a big sign hanging on the door, “Happy birthday, Ms. Frances.” That’s why. “Who made that?” I asked. Amanda said to me, “me and Zibby made it.” Ms. Zibby teaches next door. Darshan handed an envelope to me. I opened it up. It was a beautiful birthday card he made for me. I gave him a hug, “Thank you, sweetie.” Darshan’s mom was smiling. She said, “my elder son said happy birthday to you.” She was talking about Darshan’s elder brother, who is in 4th grade. Sometimes, he came to read to us. I was so happy. Kids were so excited. They couldn’t sit and started our day. After a short group meeting, girls went to art center to make cards for me. When I checked what they were doing, they shouted at me, “don’t look, Ms. Frances.” They wanted to give me a surprise. There took a lot of things out. The art table was full of construction papers, yarns, glitters, glue, sequences, foam shapes, crayons, makers, color pencils, and scissors. I was so proud of them. “Ok, kiddies, I am going to get a cup of coffee, and be right back.” then I was off to the kitchen. When I came back and opened the door, I saw the whole class were standing by the door and singing the “happy birthday “ song to me. Like a surprise party. I was so moved. What lovely kids I get. They finished their art work. Some of them made cards for me. Some of them made crowns for me. Moriah told me, “Ms. Frances, try this princess crown. If it is too small, I’ll make a bigger one for you.” This birthday I’ll never forget.
