It is the last day of the school year and I stand empty – handed with no gift to give you.
It isn’t that I haven’t tried to think of something meaningful and special ... quite to the contrary (相反). For months I have searched shops and department stores, and even searched the Internet only to realize that nothing could measure up to the feelings of a mother’s grateful heart and a teacher’s loving devotion.
How I wish a colorful bundle of fresh wildflowers could reflect the beauty of your way with children! Jewelry would surely be nice, but what can I afford that would not grow quickly out of style? You deserve respect for your determination and creativity, your devotion and talent.
At the moment the first school bell rang last August, I placed in you my trust, believing you would teach my child and reserve respect for me as a parent. I added to that my constant (连续不断的) and devoted wish that you would be reasonable and fair to set limitations and rules while offering my child a chance to learn self-control.I sincerely hope that your classroom would be a safe shelter for my child to grow and learn, which is a perfect mixture of self-discipline(自律) and controlled instruction. I prayed for your health and your happiness, and your ability to be supplied with the tools necessary to complete your task as a teacher and educator. I offered you my time as often as I could, and my support for your cause. Occasionally, I even offered you a challenge when I spoke my mind, sometimes standing firm(坚定的), sometimes giving up with a renewed assurance or a “wait and see” attitude!
I wish with all my heart I could put a delicate ribbon on a wrapped package and give you a “ something” to express my appreciation and affection, but I have nothing to give you that would be better than the precious gift I have ever had to offer and which you already so pleasantly accepted months ago－the one you have held close to your heart, laughed with and probably cried with, cheered and scolded – my child!
And today, as my child returns to my side for the summer, the gift I humbly give to you is found deep within my heart...
(1) According to the author, the best gift for the teacher is ______.
(2) The underlined sentence in the passage implies that the author hopes that ______.
(3) This passage is most probably from ______.