Today was a small moment that made a big impression on my heart.

Today I was the Mystery Reader in Ryan’s class. Many elementary schools have some form of a mystery reader throughout the year, so this is not a new concept. But it was the first time that I had been the Mystery Reader in Ryan’s class, so it was a new experience for me.

I provided his teacher with my clues (they received one clue each day), and asked Ryan throughout the week about each clue for the Mystery Reader. He was quite oblivious that it was me, until the last clue which his class received today. (The clue was “I went to college at the University of New Hampshire”). The children are allowed to make guesses as to who the Mystery Reader is, but they are not actually told if they are right or wrong.

I wish I had a camera to capture the smile on Ryan’s face when I was announced as the Mystery Reader and entered his classroom. I don’t think it could have been any bigger if he tried. He was thrilled to have me there. And I was thrilled to be there. As a full time working mom, it is often hard to make time for the different volunteer opportunities at school. I do what I can, but it never feels like it is enough. The smile on Ryan’s face today took away all my doubts. Today was more than enough for him. And it was more than enough for me.

The children in Ryan’s class were very excited and attentive. They asked me questions about my clues. Some were amazed to learn that I had been “born in New York” (one of my clues). Another was surprised to learn that “people can grow up in Pennsylvania” (another one of my clues). Oh to be a kid again when your entire world is still so simple and small! They asked questions about the story, and even gave me homework when I was finished!

So today was a small moment that made a big impression on my heart. Thank you Room 10, for allowing me to be your Mystery Reader today.