Our local elementary school has a musical play production every spring. It’s really good, and I always go because I know I’ll see past students. For me it is wonderful to see the children I remember, flourishing and having fun. For the children it is more than wonderful. Their teacher came to their play!
They are ‘beside themselves’ in surprise. Some hug, some look with big eyes, some jump up and down. In the flurry after the play, I always hear, “Jennie!” Music to my ears.
This year was different, enormously so.
The musical was Annie, Jr. Of course I read the program to see who I knew. Then I read the back- directors, etc. And there was the name of the choreographer – Callie.
Callie was one of my first students. She and I ‘opened school’ together every morning at 7:30. We had the best time. It was just the two of us. Of course she was in my class, but it was those early mornings that were the best.
As the play went on, I watched Callie with the children. She was with the younger kids, the chorus, in front of the stage. She was good. She had control and excitement. When the play was over, she and the directors got flowers, but she wanted to say something with the children. “Raise your right hand (they all did). Repeat after me. I will remember…”
Wait. That’s what I always do. I knew she remembered this from me.
After the play, I made my way to the stage, and saw Callie’s father. He grabbed my hand, pulled me on stage and asked me if I’d seen Callie. I told him no, so he pulled her up on the stage.
She cried. We hugged. Then she cried again. She remembered me!
Callie is off to college next year in High Point, North Carolina. Guess what her major will be. Early Childhood Education.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
So good to see your students doing well, and of course they remember you! 🙂
Thanks, FR!
It must be so special to see the impact you’ve made on a child, as that child flourished in life, Jennie. You are simply the best.
It was so unexpected, Dan. I think you never know the impact you might have on someone. Thanks so much! 🥰
How wonderful and exciting for her, and you. They remember. 😊
Yes, and yes!! Very much so, Deborah.
Jennie, you’re like the farmer who plants new seeds every year . They (young students) grow to take their places. Some, maybe just a few, become ‘farmers’, themselves, and take our spots, planting new seeds and the cycle continues. This young lady seems to be on her way to do that. You’ve been a very good ‘farmer’, Jennie.
Awww… that’s so nice, Steve. Thank you. I like being a farmer. 🙂
How special is that!! I love this so much. It’s like you experiencing the fruits of your labour. Of course, she remembers you and what you instilled in her. xo
I’m still reeling, Darlene. She cried! Yes, it was very special. Many thanks!
I would have cried too. xo
🥰
Lovely connection for both of you, Jen. What an impact you have!
Thanks so much, Alice! What a surprise to connect with her at the play. Really wonderful. You never know when you’ll have an impact on someone, right?
What a wonderfully rewarding moment.
It was. Thank you, Anneli!
What a special day for you! You have touched so many lives in a positive way.
It was, indeed. Thank you, Cathy!
You’ve got me all misty-eyed, Jennie! I love this…every bit! ❤️😉❤️
I’m still misty-eyed, Vicki! Thank you so much! 💕
And you couldn’t be prouder!
Absolutely!
Of course she remembered you. It is obvious yo were a great influence in her life. Thanks for sharing your joy, Jennie.
That’s so nice, John. Thank you. I’m glad my joy was obvious. 🙂
Yes, it was.
🙂
I love this soooo much
I’m so glad. Thank you.
Indisputable, your impact on your students was and is great, Jennie! Best wishes, Michael
This one was a surprise and a delight! Thank you, Michael!
Nothing quite like these circle-of-life moments. It must feel great to be so well-remembered.
It was definitely a circle-of-life moment. You know those well. Yes, being remembered feels so good. This was unexpected, and she was the child who was always smiling. Now, I got to see her making children smile. Wow!
oh, she was playing you all the way! what a life tribute! I’m sure she was thrilled that you were there –
She is a dreamboat. How wonderful it was to see her with children. Yes, a life tribute. She was beyond thrilled that I was there. Beyond.
“She remembered me!” We all need this – such a special gift.
Yes, we do. Thanks so much, Laura.
Wonderful!
Thank you, Becky.
Nice one Jennie
Thank you.
Welcome Jennie ⭐
Such a wonderful validation of everything you do, and what you have always strived to achieve.
Best wishes, Pete.
That’s so nice, Pete. Thank you!
That just brought tears to my eyes, Jennie. My heart is full for you. I had a first grade teacher who hit me with a ruler, often because I wasn’t paying attention. I couldn’t see the board or hear her voice. I think that’s why I love how you are with children so much. You teach with kindness and a great deal of love. You are priceless. Remember that!
My heart breaks for you with your first grade teacher, Marlene. I’m so glad my teaching brings a light to you, and to children. Kindness and love are never forgotten. Thank you for your kind words, and I will remember that!
Talk about a ‘feel good’ post!! I feel sooooooo good after reading this. I remember how important an elementary teacher can be in inspiring students to LOVE learning. You, obviously, inspire so many students, Jennie. Well done!
Awww… I’m so glad, Pam! I’m still feeling good and reeling, so please pinch me. Thanks for your kind words!
What a beautiful feel good post Jennie. You are in many hearts. A beautiful legacy. 💙
Thank you, Debby! You never know when you’ve touched someone’s life, right? I’ve heard back from her father about how much it meant to her that I came to the play. Wow. This is why I do what I do.
And you do it so well!!!! xx
Awww… 🥰
Jennie you must be feeling so proud to see your student performing so well. Thanks for your inspiring post 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Yes, I was so proud of her! I’m glad this was inspiring to you, Kamal. It was to me. 😀
Jennie – this was a. heart tug and a reminder that sometimes teacher are blessed enough to see some of their fruits – but there are likely so many you will never see! And cheers to Callie and her future – also – those special early mornings with sound incredible.
I taught elementary art for a handful of years – and in my second year, had numerous students stay with me in the afternoon for two hours on the days I worked. Two of them made some extra projects during that time that led to some great finished pieces.
My goodness, your comment was just wonderful. Thank you, Yvette. I think I was the one who had the biggest heart tugs. Yes, so many fruits we never see. Thank goodness there are these wonderful ones, because they keep me going. I don’t have many memories of Callie in the classroom, it’s the early mornings I remember best. They were wonderful. And that’s all it takes for a teacher to connect with a child and make a difference, right? Thank you for telling me about your students in elementary school. I bet they remember you, big time!
😀😀
How splendid, Jennie. I’m so glad you shared all these smiles with us. Hugs.
Thank you, Teagan! Yes, so many smiles. Hugs!!
True Jennie ❤️🙏❤️
Yes, and so wonderful! Thank you, Kamal. 💕
I read your Facebook post, Jennie. How wonderful for you both.
Thank you, Robbie. It was wonderful.
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
Oh! Jennie what a wonderful person you are you touch so many 💜💜💜
Awww… thank you, Willow. Sunday I’m invited to the high school play (Mama Mia) of a former student. Can’t wait! ❤️
that’s lovely Jennie and proves my point. Have a lovely time at Momma Mia 💜💜💜
Will do, and thanks! 💕
Your good work going forward and outward into the world… 🌷
Thank you.
Thank YOU!!!
🙂
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
🙏🙏🙏
Amazing
It was.
Callie is great
She really, really is!
Pingback: A Play Performance – Unexpected Surprise – Haircut and hair stylist Site
It was a wonderful interest key fact he made mentioned
Far too often we underestimate the incredible influence of one caring, invested, safe, and nurturing adult in a child’s life. Far too infrequently do we receive such a powerful reminder. Thank you for sharing.
Beautifully said, David, and so true. Many thanks!
Hi! I’m new here and I just put out my first 2 blog posts. Mind checking them out? You have a great blog by the way. ✌️
Such a heartwarming story xx
Thank you, Jen.
Fantastic story! There’s nothing quite like encountering people you’ve shared wonderful memories with.
Well said, Jack. Thank you!