It has become something of a tradition for us to forget to plan an actual vacation during Spring Break, and this year was no exception. It is also typically the case, though, that Kina’s break is eventful and pleasant—and again, this year was no exception. She saw her little cousin Otis, her Lala, her Yeh-yeh and Grandma; she visited her Daddy’s real newspaper job; she gave me a high five at my first half marathon; she saw the Cloisters with Hannah; and she picked a bunch of tulips she ought not to have.
And despite all that action, she was thrilled to go back to school yesterday, if only to see her favorite teacher in the world, Ricky Ortiz, who celebrated his birthday just as his entire second grade class returned from the rest of the world (or, in Kina’s case, various local playgrounds). She had prepared for him an elaborate card with chocolates and modeling clay taped to it—things she said he would love, and when we dropped her off at the school gate, she bolted towards the gym as fast as she could, so that she could be the very first kid in line.
Kina is lucky to love school; not every kid gets it. I’m glad we have been able to instill a love for community and learning in her, but I have to give credit where it’s due. The teachers she’s had have been astonishing, inspiring, and loving; Mr. Ortiz stands tall among the giants, and Kina adores him. Thanks and Happy Birthday to Our Publisher’s favorite second-grade teacher. She could not stop talking about you.
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