It's been many years. Lives have changed. I've changed. Good things and bad have happened. But I found her again.
It was my fourth grade year in a Catholic school. Times at home were a little rough for me. My mom had some issues and was hospitalized several times. As an only child, I felt the pangs of loneliness. Fear and worry consumed me at a tender age.
She was so pretty. A "regular" teacher amidst all the nuns. Her name was Miss Clark and I'll never forget her. Soft-spoken and kind, she took to me, knowing I had difficulty at home. Her gentle manner and sweet ways were such a stable to me amidst life's turmoil. Though I wasn't sure what might happen each day, the certainty at that time was an eager smile and warm words from a young teacher to all of us children in her class.
I remember writing to her at one point in my life. Our cards and letters went back and forth, the exchange of words between old friends. Then we lost touch. Years separated us. My own life took many turns, marriage at an early age, then the tragedy of divorce when he found someone else. A son born, and life fulfilled. Dad's heart issues and the closeness and love of a good family. So many things I wished I could tell her.
I found her once again after searching for the longest time. Internet search engines turned up facts here and there when one day I saw that lovely face on Facebook. Try though I might, it wasn't as easy as I'd thought to contact her. A year later and several attempts, I was rewarded by her friendship once again. I think I wanted to tell her how much she'd meant to me as a child. I think I wanted to say my life turned out okay and it was she who helped push me in the right direction.
I pray her life has been good. I hope there's been laughter, love and great memories. Thank you from my heart dear friend, mentor and teacher. May the Lord reward you for the kindness you've shown.
What a beautiful blog and heartwarming story....!
ReplyDeleteThank you Patti! Though this is a very short blog post, I hoped to convey just how much she meant to me. I appreciate your comments!
DeleteA wonderful teacher is a priceless thing! So glad you were able to reconnect. I had a few really great teachers over the years; they were such a blessing. I reconnected with one, my 5th grade teacher, at my Mom's funeral three years ago. It was a wonderful treat to see her. She had taught school with Mom, so she wanted to come and pay her respects. So glad she did.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
How bittersweet, Karen, but what a wonderful gesture. I think some of our teachers may never realize what they've done for us. How fortunate you and I are to have been able to tell one of ours what they meant to us! Thank you for your comment!
DeleteWhat a moving story, Karen!
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly Marian!
DeleteWow. So heartfelt and tender. I wish I had someone like that when I was growing up. Absolutely beautiful and touching. This will stay with me for a long time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, Mark, Perhaps someday I'll be penning a blog about you and what you've done for me as mentor to my writing!
DeleteI wanted to share the comments from the teacher who this blog was about. Recently she wrote this on facebook:
ReplyDeleteKAREN, I'm so sorry it's taken so long for me to respond after reading your blog. I think I was overwhelmed! When you work with children you don't usually know what kind of impression you leave. I remember you so well and how you left an impression on ME.Your sweet , kind and loving ways put you right up there as one of my most memorable students. I too have often thought of you! I'm so impressed with the woman you've become and your oh so beautiful writing style. All the lovely qualities I remember in you as a child shine through in everything you say and write. It really excites me to know I did something right way back then in Ambridge when I was first starting out . You've made me proud to be a teacher and paid me one of the greatest compliments any teacher could ever hope to receive.