Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s an opportunity to honor those who dedicate their professional lives to educating children. Throughout the week teachers sometimes receive thank-you notes, edible treats, and small gifts.

As a former teacher, I was always thankful for the gifts and the kind gestures.

As the mother of two sons, I even participated in bestowing various tokens of appreciation on teachers over the years.

Now looking back, it seems most years I was just going through the motions, checking another item off my to-do list. I suppose my “act of kindness” was something I felt obliged to do. Was I feeling pressure from Hallmark or the PTA? Did my kid’s room mother urge me to take action, or did it come from something I read in the paper? Honestly, I don’t think I gave serious thought to the feeling of gratitude behind the effort. It was, after all, the busiest time of our lives, and we were just trying to keep everybody heading in the right direction.

Work. School. Dinner. Homework. Extra-curriculars. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Now the kids are grown and gone, and my husband and I are fortunate to be able to slow down and absorb and enjoy life more.

So as Teacher Appreciation Week nears, I’m able to reflect once again on what it all means. I can say with certainty I “get it” now more than ever.

Teachers’ work is often undervalued and thankless. Their salaries do not reflect the importance of the work they do. Managing children with all levels of ability and diverse life experiences, they strive to nurture and advance each one to their next step.

As I recall my own children’s education, I note that my gratitude for their teachers has grown exponentially. In hindsight I see more clearly the impact of those who gave selflessly to help their students. They’re the ones who passed on their skills. They sparked curiosity and instilled a love of learning. And they used their passion to inspire.

I look at our grown sons and others like them. I note their independence and their zest for life. Although we parents may have played a role in their development, we didn’t do it all.

Our kids would not be where they are today without the valuable input of the great teachers in their lives.

To all the teachers being honored this year during Teacher Appreciation Week—I know you’ll be grateful for those notes and gifts. But what I hope you cling to most dearly is something deeper. I hope you feel the profound realization of your impact on your students’ lives. It extends far beyond this year-long encounter.

You are making impressions to last a lifetime.

The most heartfelt gratitude for what you’re offering today may not be felt for years to come. Just know it’s there. You’ve planted the seeds.