I had just came home from working a 13 hour day at my school when I got my gift. I went in at 7 AM and had a particularly rough time today with the students. After school I spent three hours grading before cleaning my room for back-to-school night. By the time 8 PM hit and the teachers were allowed to leave, I was completely drained and feeling totally dejected. My lessons hadn't gone like I'd wanted, my students had done poorly on their first quiz, and the parent turn out was less than stellar for back-to-school night. It was one of those days we teachers have. Then I came home and saw the box. It was a big, heavy, wonderful box from someone who felt like I was doing something important. The box turned my day around. Santa delivered everything on my wish list. I had colored pencils, glue, tape, markers, scissors and more. She put things in the box that I didn't even know I wanted, like the book "What If?" and now I cannot wait to read it to my high school biology students. More important than the gifts though, was her card. I don't know her, but she made me feel loved and valued today, on a day when I really, really needed it. Sometimes, its not the gifts that mean the most, but the emotional support, even if it comes from strangers. If you see this, I want to thank you for making a really rough day a little easier. You've lifted my spirits and I know that even on days when nothing seems to go right, there are people in the world who support what teachers do. To everyone reading this: go hug a teacher. You don't have to give teachers anything (though we really, really like it!). Sometimes, we just want to be appreciated.