As salaam u alaikum,
A few weeks ago I completed my CERT and CPR training. I was taking classes for that in the evening after school. Every day, I would come to school and share with my children what i had learned the previous night. Before my final exam, I asked them to make dua for me. They were all happily following my journey and excited to see my 'ceftericate' (Certificate) and emergency responder gear when I passed.
When I showed it to them, they were ecstatic. Everyone wanted to touch, feel and relay stories of some time they had seen an ambulance or an emergency responder. Being trained for CERT and CPR does not qualify me to be an EMT nor do I intend to follow that career path. I tried to explain that to my little ones but for some it wasn't all black and white. One six year old raised her hand, when I called on her, she hesitated to speak.
"Yes...honey?" I prompted.
"But..but Sister, if you are going to save people's lives, then...then who is gonna teach us Qur'aaaan?"
Her voice was dripping with concern and a look of alarm was etched on her little innocent face.
For a moment, I was speechless. Because even though I wasn't going to be an EMT, I was indeed leaving teaching, for a while at least, to be an Americorps VISTA and was being already guilt-tripped about it by my mom.
The homeroom teacher's timely laughter saved me, however. She told me this question was one for the keepers. I agree.
I reassured the student and moved on but that was one of the moments that always gives your heart a gentle squeeze and put a fulfilled smile on your face.
God, I love these children. May Allah swt keep them happy, healthy and most importantly, on sitar al mustaqeem. Admen.
