The Little Tree that Could...

Last school year, as in 2011-2012, I stopped at Wegmans early one morning to pick up a few things.  While there, I decided to purchase a cute little plant that was on sale for like $3.99ish.  It adds such a homey feel to have some greenery in the classroom.  Well, I have to say, it was the best 4 bucks I've spent in a while.  With a little love and care from the absolutely wonderful Carla, the custodian who cleaned my classroom, the tiny plant blossomed into a tree!  Unfortunately, I don't have a photo from when I first got it, but for perspective, it was about the size of the basil plant below...  

Check it out now!

Carla was in love with this plant - she would water it for me each day and even watched it over the summer last year so I didn't have to lug it back and forth.  As I'm writing this, I'm feeling more and more guilty about not leaving it with her.  She even came into my classroom on the last day of school to kiss it goodbye.   I considered leaving it with her, but I guess was feeling attached to it myself.  Instead, I plan to buy her a new plant to tend to, with a note, written in spanish (thanks to the translator at my school), thanking her for the love and care to the little plant that could and my classroom, of course. :)  She always reminded me about the happiness that can come from the simple things in life! The world needs more Carla's. :)