The Silent Ferryman

(Dong Nai) - There are sayings that become more meaningful as we grow older, like the poem: "The food from father, the clothes from mother, the knowledge from teacher - How can we ever repay all those days of longing?" And then, after all these years, I understand that in each person's life, the three most important things we must be grateful for are the merits of our father, the kindness of our mother, and the gratitude we owe to our teachers. Parents give us our physical form and teach us our first words, while teachers give us the key to unlock the door to knowledge, enabling us to confidently and strongly step out into the wider world.

Mentioning teachers always fills my heart with a warm, nostalgic feeling. The two words "teacher" and "mentor" seem simple, yet they are incredibly sacred. They are not blood relatives, but their love and concern for us are no different from that of second parents. They also stay up late and wake up early, are busy with countless worries, and eagerly await the growth and maturity of their students. This quiet dedication, which we rarely notice when we are young, becomes clear as we grow older: some people have devoted their entire youth to standing alongside the youth of others.

I still vividly remember my first-grade teacher. Her hands were thin, but always warm. She patiently held my hand, carefully guiding my hand as I wrote each letter, smiling and saying, "Slow and steady wins the race." She graded each of our assignments with an extraordinary meticulousness. Whenever someone made a mistake, she never spoke harshly, but gently sat down beside them, pointing out each small error and offering detailed instructions. Even now, whenever I pick up a pen to write, I remember her hunched over under the yellow lamplight, patiently correcting each of our assignments.

Then, in middle school, I met a teacher who was incredibly patient. He not only taught the lessons but also instilled in us a passion and curiosity for knowledge. During some lessons, the whole class would be silent because we didn't understand, but he would patiently explain each point, giving examples. After finishing, he would even walk down to the front of the class and ask each student, "Do you understand?" At the time, we might just nod, but only later did we realize that those were lessons taught with all his heart.

During stressful exam seasons, our teachers were our invisible support system. When the whole class was exhausted and stressed to the point of losing energy, the teacher would put down his chalk, smile, and encourage us: "Take a break, breathe deeply, and then continue." And the teacher patiently went to each desk, asking about our well-being, encouraging us, and reminding each student. Those simple gestures, seemingly insignificant at the time, now reveal the silent love and care our teachers bestowed upon us as we grew up.

Teachers are also the first people to teach us things that aren't in textbooks: how to live kindly, how to apologize, how to say thank you, and how to get back up after a mistake. I remember in high school, I once made a mistake that caused the whole class to be criticized. Instead of scolding me, my teacher just called me back after class, looked at me for a long time, and then gently said, "Next time, remember to learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but what's important is what you learn from them." That very understanding helped me mature and become more considerate of others.

Now that I've left school, whenever I accidentally pass by the old school gates, hear the drumbeat, or see a white áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dress) in the courtyard, my heart sinks. Time flies so fast that we don't even realize it. The teachers from years ago may have gray hair, but the love they have for generations of students has never diminished. And no matter where I go, what job I do, whether I succeed or fail, I will always believe that in everyone's journey, there is always the presence of a teacher.

Another Teachers' Day has arrived. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, I just want to send my heartfelt wishes to all the teachers. Thank you, teachers – the silent "ferrymen" who tirelessly guide us through countless seasons, ensuring that one generation of students after another reaches a safe harbor. May you always be healthy, safe, and keep the flame of your profession burning in your hearts. We may go far, we may be busy with our own choices, but the knowledge you have imparted to us – from simple lessons to quiet affection – will forever accompany us throughout our lives.

Ha Linh

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202511/nguoi-dua-do-tham-lang-7b31ab5/