TEACH

BY SISTER MILDRED

11 REASONS TO

Sister Mildred was a Benedictine Sister ofChicago, in service for 66 years, making her

final vows in 1949 and passing away this year.In her belongings, they found a little letter,addressed to no one in particular, entitled

First is Best. It lists 11 reasons why she lovedto teach first grade.

I was asked what I did. Answer: “I am a

Benedictine Sister and a teacher.” When I said I

taught first grade for many years, I generally

heard a very flat “Oh!” I was not sure whether

this was an expression of pity or disinterest. So I

repeat: “Yes, I taught 1st grade for many

years.”

YES, I did teach the first grade. I saw the love of God in

each one “Mr. and Mrs. America,” and I loved it!

Celebrating and teaching were peak moments between

the ordinary happenings of life.

And the teacher in me continues to say “Celebrate life!”

for it is precious. Say “yes” to life, for God sees us as we

should be, but loves us as we are.

Smile! God loves you and so do I,

Sister Mildred Zember, OSB

1. Where elsewould I tie somany hairribbons andshoe strings,and buttoncoats everyday?

2. Whereelse could Isee a styleshow ofprettydressesand shirts?

3. Whereelse could Iwear thesame dressday after dayand be toldeach daythat “it ispretty”?

4. Whereelse could Ieat a stickypiece ofcandy fromgrimy littlehands andnot get ill?

(I had to eat it because the child would smile and watch me eat it).

5. Whereelse could Iwalk downthe rows ofdesks andhave a warmhand touchme?

6. Where elsecould I guidethe first letterformation of achubby littlehand that maysomeday writea book or signan importantdocument?

7. Where elsecould I forget tolisten to the Stateof the Unionaddress becauselittle Stevie isn’tgrasping readingas he should, so Ihad to give himmore time andhelp?

8. Where elsecould I forgetmy own achesand painsbecause ofmany cutfingers,scratchedknees, andbroken heartsthat needcare?

9. Where elsewould my mindhave to stay soyoung as thegroup whoseattention spanis so short thatI had to keep a“bag of tricksup my sleeve.”

10. Whereelse can yousee theirhappy eyesas I toldthem storiesabout aboutJesus andGod ourFather?

11. Where elsecould I feel soclose to myCreator as I dideach year,when I helpGod’s childrenlearn to read,write, spell,sing, dance,pray and play?