Goodbye, Mrs. Macomber

As I have worked in child care through the years, I have met a number of people, and have learned a great deal from these people - how to calm a fussy baby, how to keep the attention of a wiggly child, how to fix a toilet, and how to encourage struggling staff members.  I have also learned how not to do many things - how not to punish a child for being a child, how not to blame others for things that go wrong, and how not to treat staff badly just because I am the Big Boss and I can.  I have met many people, but of all of the people that I have known, the one that is the biggest blessing in my life is a lady named Joyce Macomber.

Mrs. Macomber had come to work at this center in December 1981.  By the time that I started here, she had been employed for 27 years.  She was almost 80, she was bent and walked with a cane, but she had the happiest, most youthful spirit that I have ever encountered.  She opened the center at 6:00 each morning, and answered the doorbell for each child to enter.  No matter what the weather, or how her day was going, she had a smile and a "Come in, dearie!" for each child who rang for admittance.  She greeted the stuffed animals and dollies that accompanied the children, chatted with the parents, admired new shoes, and exclaimed over boo-boos.  She had a lap for each child who was sad (and a figurative lap for staff members and directors who were having a difficult day).  No matter how difficult a child was, he or she was a beloved member of the classroom.

As is the way of the world, things change.  About eight months ago Mrs. Macomber developed health problems and had to leave the center for a while.  She recovered, but developed more problems.  This morning the center received a call - Mrs. Macomber had passed away during the weekend.  This has left a hole in my heart and in the hearts of many children, parents, and staff who have known her over the years.

Although Mrs. Macomber is gone, she will never really leave me.  I have learned much from her that I hope will stay with me always.  The joy that she felt for the children, the love that she showed even the most difficult child, the kindness toward others, and the joy that she found in life, even when she was in pain, will stay with me forever and, I hope, act as a model for my actions.  When I told Mrs. Macomber that I wanted to be just like her when I grew up she thought that I was being silly, but it was the truth.  Every child care center needs a Mrs. Macomber, and I hope to be one someday.

Good-bye, Mrs. Macomber.  Thank you!