To those of you who (as it turns out) are loyal readers of this obscure, ranty corner of the internet, I would like to extend my happiest greetings and best wishes for the holidays.
This holiday couldn’t come soon enough: I’m sick, exhausted, and ready for two weeks of sheer peace and quiet.
I didn’t come out too badly on the gift front: clothes, home accessories, a gift card, a lint brush that looks as if it came from the quartermaster of the Starship Enterprise, assorted Star Wars & Doctor Who merchandise, and the 4th and 5th season DVD box sets of The West Wing.
I also received one jaw dropping present from some of my students: an autographed picture of the late Christopher Reeve — as Superman — complete with certificate of authenticity. My very first childhood hero, forever framed in his iconic role.
But it was a single comment — made by one particular student, as the above mentioned present was presented to me — that made all the other gifts pale in comparison: “You deserved it, sir.”
In those moments when I feel as if I’m in the most thankless profession on the planet, I will cherish that comment…the best Christmas present I could ever receive.
Merry Christmas to all…and to all a good night.
