This past Tuesday we had a special luncheon at school to celebrate the retirement of one of our finest teachers. After 27 years, she, like our awesome administrator, has decided to move on to a less demanding line of work. Several years ago I used to hear about this very special teacher named “Mrs. T.”. Little did I know then that I would become this very special teacher’s co-worker and friend!
As a school we have been so blessed to have her here. The impact she she has had with the students is rare; she has a way like no other of getting through to the heart of these young ones. Many of the rest of us found comfort in knowing that some of the more difficult students would have their time with “Mrs. T.”. I am personally thankful for the mark she has made on my own nieces. Like many others, she is and will remain at the top of their list of great influencers.
Personally, I have been blessed by her shining example of both a master teacher and a true servant of God. I have witnessed the mercy and generosity of God through her quiet acts of service through these years.
I connected with your story sharing...I too had a special mentor in my life, the woman who I did my student teaching with. She helped me get my job as a first grade teacher, and supported me every step of the way...Her family "adopted" me and the rest is history!...I feel we meet certain people in our lives for specific reasons, and to utilmately "learn" something... Mrs T sounds like someone who has made quite an effect on your life...I find it quite wonderful to have women of all differnent ages as my friends....It keeps the mind and soul well rounded...More people need mentors like that...You could really spin Mrs's T's influence on you into your final writing piece if you wanted to...You probably have a lot of material there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was at my previous school, I often shared a few minutes during lunch with Mrs. K. She has a doctorate from a Theological Seminary and was just a pastoral person with a great sense of humor, a generous spirit, and always sharing an uplifting word. She retired last year and we have maintained contact via email. Since then I have moved to a school that was attended by her children and grandchildren. She was very excited about this and since she hadn't set foot on the campus in over ten years, she paid me a visit last Tuesday. My "cool factor" SHOT UP when all the "old-timers" (10+ years) at my school saw Mrs. K walking me around on a tour! She was genuinely surprised when she saw some of her resource books dog-eared on my desk! (She had a free garage sale during her last weeks at school!) What was really cool is that I acted as a bridge! She always wears a hat signifying her membership in one of only four historically black sororities. One of my colleagues, a young cutie-pie who hasn't hit the BIG 3-0 yet, met her with their greeting, and now this "inactive young-un" in the service sorority has a link and a renewed tie to that community. Mrs. K continues to give to the next generation of "young" ladies...(well, present company excluded...LOL)
ReplyDeleteI think we all have a very special mentor who guided us somewhere along the way! For me, it was a student teacher that was in my room in first grade!!! I really fell in love with her and thought she was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and wanted to be a teacher just like her!! We kept in touch, I was the flower girl in her wedding, and we are still in touch today!! She is such a great lady and she gave me much inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteIt's really nice to read about your respect and admiration for your coworkers. It sounds like your school exists in a magical dream land. Forgive me, I LOVE my job, but I work in a very tough urban district where crime, poverty and beauracratic nonsense are the norm. It is so refreshing to know that some teachers are as happy as you. I also appreciate the God reference, as sometimes I regret that we're so apprehensive to jeopardize political correctness that we neglect to give Him recognition! Good luck to Mrs. T.!
ReplyDeleteWe all have special people in our lives that have inspired us. My Aunt Evie was mine. She wanted to be a missionary but health prevented her from serving. She served in other ways. She loved her students, her family, friends, and her country. One of my favorite memories was having her volunteer in my own classroom. She read to the kids, listened to them read to her, helped with writing...I still miss her!
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