As I visited the students of Wexford Elementary School today I was
overcome with emotion and joy. The kids gave me such an enthusiastic reception,
you would have thought their hometown hero
Neil Walker was walking the halls! At
that moment it struck me. It occurred to me how deep my relationship with these
wonderful kids truly is. How important they are to me, and how valued I am to
them. While talking with them, a theme/question began repeating itself. It went
like this..."Coach Dave do you remember me?" "Coach Dave do you remember my
nickname?" "Coach Dave remember I'm the one you called..." I reflected on it
later and realized what children yearn for and need to know that they matter.
That they are cherished. That they are important. That they weren't just a guest
at a birthday party or a player on a sports team. They are their own wonderful
person, who has a name, a unique personality, a special way of making you laugh.
They want to hear you say their name (or nickname). And to know
that they made an impact on you and that you do remember them. My advice to any
adult who coaches, teaches, trains kids - do not take for granted the influence
you have on children. They look up to and admire who you are. Return the
admiration and appreciation. Learn (and remember) their names, their
personalities, the things that make them their own unique person. I promise you,
if you do, it will make you feel like I felt today!
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