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Recognizing The Angels Among Us

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By LOUIS ARTALONA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 22, 2008

Sometimes I sit back and think there is no hope for mankind. The media reports daily about the atrocities we inflict on each other, and I shake my head in disbelief.

When it gets really bad, I force myself to look for people who care and really try to make a difference in our world. Today I noticed a flicker of light in my own home.

If I told you I know a special breed that puts themselves second to their job, you'd wonder what I was smoking. If I told you about folks who work 10 hours a day for a huge organization and get paid for eight, who bring work home without pay or complaint, you'd think, "Ahh, the man's discovered a slave labor business in our community!"

Wrong. I'm referring to my wife Maureen and her colleagues at Clair Mel Elementary School in Tampa. And I'm guessing that every public school in the state could change the names and this story would be about them. They are the special people I believe are God's angels disguised as educators.

Maureen goes to work early so she can prepare for the day's work. She stays late and tries to catch up on what couldn't be accomplished during the day. She uses her Saturdays and some evenings to take classes that will keep her updated on new programs.

I shouldn't say "she" because all of the educators I know do it. Regardless of whether they are hourly or salaried personal, the story is the same. Her principal, Shelly Hermann, works a seven-day week. According to Maureen, Shelly would work eight days a week if she could.

Every once in the while I'll ask why. The answer is always the same: "It's about the kids Louie, not me."

Folks, I live with an angel who doesn't walk across the floor; she glides as if on a cloud. Somewhere out there she will find a kid who's in need of help, and she'll make that kid a better person.

This is what she and her fellow teachers live for. This is my small flicker of light in this crazy world of ours. Thank you, Maureen.

Louis Artalona is retired, living in Walden Lake, and beginning a new career as a novelist.

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