“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

Forest E. Witcraft teacher, scholar


Teaching By Example
Pass It On®
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Your Comments
Donnie Williams from Shreveport,La FEBRUARY 28, 2022
That’s so profoundly said and I’ve found out that’s the truth

Jo Freud from New Jersey APRIL 17, 2021
I have lived and raised 4 children, babysat countless little cousins , loved and interacted with my nieces and nephews and now am blessed with nine wonderful grandchildren and this poem became part of the fiber of my life , when I was a child myself.

Deb JULY 18, 2018
So true

Christine Beer from Strathroy, Ontario JANUARY 20, 2018
I am blessed to be the mother of a special needs young man. I am also an Educational assistant who works on a daily basis with many students with several different needs. This quote always validates what I do everyday. I truly hope that I have inspired students in some way along this journey.. I know they have made a difference in my life.

Maegan from Hazleton Indiana AUGUST 9, 2017
I have always loved this quote it is so true.as a teacher and as a mother. I Love it even that much more.

Gayelynn from Austin APRIL 5, 2017
One of my favorite quotes of all time.

A mother of special needs child from Chicago, IL OCTOBER 17, 2016
I came across this quote at my child's therapist's office. It was written on a painting of a boy watching at a pond or lake. It drew my attention. I read and reread it many many times. During the difficult moments (of raising a special needs child), I think about this quote. It validates me for my efforts, motivates me to do my best and helps me keep going! Many many thanks to the author of this quote!

Millie from Danville, Illinois SEPTEMBER 23, 2016
I have always loved this quote!

Gary from Maryville, TN APRIL 28, 2016
1985 Was the first time I seen this quote! My hair stood up and my skin crawled! For the first time in my life!, I seen THE LAW OF THE HARVEST, = "We reap what we sow, more abundantly than sown, more often than sown" MADE VISUAL TO ME.

Alison from Memphis APRIL 21, 2016
I like this quote,it's great.

NULL from NULL JULY 7, 2015
This is so true, but most folks don't think this way anymore.

Arlene Gourgues from Jacksonville, Florida JULY 30, 2014
Love this quote

Eduardo Millan from Venezuela JANUARY 27, 2014
Three days ago I visited a friend of mine at his Office. He is an Engineer working for a Venezuelan Big Company. He´s been "unquiet" for a while waiting for some decision which other have to make about his next step in the company. It called my attention that he had written in small "checklist" book on his desk the following: "..at this moment, nothing has been estalished about my near future"...God! I told him" it is no one´s decision, it´s your decision"

Eduardo Millan from Venezuela JANUARY 23, 2014
This quote marked my life. I bought a Mouse Pad in Calgary in 1997. I used it for four years and I love it a lot because it showed the picture of a young boy (kid) looking at a baeutiful lake. In 2001 or 02 I do not remember, I flew from Dallas FW to Caracas in a Continental Flight. Surprise! The lady who had the seat beside me took the Craft magazine and showed me the picture of the mouse pad and said "I´ve alawys like to have this mousepad, but never found it! I just looked at her and said "Wait a moment" Took out the pad from my laptop case and gave it her. Imagine her surprised. She was a colombian young lady who educated kids and (I guess) special children. In return she gave me a Book by Mr. Shappiro "La inteligencia emocional de los niños" which was great. Never saw he again, sincerely hope she´s doing great. Kisses and Hughs.

Bev Pack from Oregon, Oh NOVEMBER 29, 2013
i saw this quote many years ago and loved it then. I still love it and as I look back over my life... I guess I have lived by this without even being aware. There are others in my life that have also made a difference in a child's life and to them I am grateful

Lorri Putman from Joplin, MO JULY 5, 2013
30 years ago, I made a counted cross-stitched wall hanging for myself. (At the time, I did not know who the original author was...) I have lived most of those 30 years following this quote. So many young people have came and gone throughout the years, and when we parted ways, I always made sure they had a copy to take with them on their new journeys. The main thing I tried to stress to them was the first part of the quote. The words are still very relevant today. I was 5 when Mr. Witcraft passed, and I hope I live another 50 years, so I can prove to everyone that the only thing that will matter when I am 100, is that I made a difference in a young person's life. I truly believe that we are put here to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Children are precious gems and most days, the only thing that gets me thru most days are young people! I wish I could have met Mr. Witcraft and thanked him for my life's mantra. Too bad more teachers and scholars of today have forgotten how important the children are! Money has turned into top motive for most educators around here, and it is sad. If you don't mind, I would like to send a copy of this quote to our local newspaper and have them publish it in the "Life" section. Hopefully, it will inspire someone else as much as it has me over the years.


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