Teachers frequently play multiple roles in a child’s life, including mentor, father or mother figure, friend, role model, counselor, tutor, or friend. While their courses are textbook-focused, they frequently connect with children on a deeper level of compassion and love.

When Mr. J., an Atlanta teacher, stepped into his classroom one day, he found a handmade thank you card from his pupil, Markus, on his desk. He cried when reading the note and uploaded a photo of it with the caption, “This is too much… “I can’t stop crying.”

“So I got into the classroom and discovered this note on the desk that one of my students had written me and…I tried so hard not to cry.” Mr. J. wrote a letter.

‘To Mr. J, Thank you for being a wonderful instructor and being amazing!’ says the note. This academic year was a lot of pleasure for me because of you. I wish there were more teachers like you. I’ll never forget about you. I consider you to be my father. I never met my biological father, but that’s okay since you treat me like I’m your son. You brighten my day. When I’m hungry, you feed me, and when I’m sad, you cuddle me. Mr. J., I shall never forget you. I adore you and will never forget you.
“I adore Markus.”

The letter was uploaded online by user Mainey maine, and it was reshared over 100,000 times by individuals who appreciated not only the letter from Markus, but also the long-lasting impact of compassion Mr. J. had on his student.

He fed Markus when he was hungry, consoled him when he was upset, and taught him in a way that prioritized unconditional love and human connection over rigid or fear-based punishment.

Other teachers, parents, and grateful readers offered their opinions as well:

“One of the reasons we educate – it’s not for the money,” Cythia wrote.
“Bless you for making such tremendous impact on a child!” “More people should look at this as an example,” Carly said.
“Congratulations—teaching is both a calling and a blessing.” “You’ve got it,” Dana said.

“Oh my goodness. More Mr. Js are needed in the world! It only takes one person to show someone that they are unconditionally loved and that the sky is not the limit! Mr. J was probably just doing what he’d tell you was ‘his job,’ with no concept what an influence he’d have. This is just one child; I’m sure he touched many more. If you look for it, the world is lovely!” Emily penned a letter.
“There is an old adage that goes, “If you offer a guy a fish, he will eat for a day.” Teach a man to fish, and he will be fed for the rest of his life.” Mr. J, you have done this for Markus. You have shown him what true love is. He will now grow up sharing to others how he feels about you. You have invested in Markus in order for him to invest in his community. Thank you a million times. I pray that God would repay you a hundredfold for every youngster you take the time to invest in. May this loop never come to an end. Mr. J, God bless you.” Jacquelin wrote.
Mr. J.’s generosity will never be forgotten.

You are cherished.