Reflecting
I’ve taken on what feels like an impossible task this winter of going through 25 boxes of photos and memorabilia belonging to my mother and father. My task is to scan the items and share them with my sister and two brothers. In between work and going outside as much as I can I grab minutes and continue the task. As some of you know my Dad passed away in 2006 and my Mom is 95 years old and living close to my sister in Ohio.
I went through my parents 50th wedding anniversary book that is filled with cards, letters and messages filled with memories. Many I was aware of but many were from BA (before Argy). I was happy to get the anniversary book in the mail in time for my Mother to receive it in time for Valentine’s Day. I hope that she remembers the friends, family members and laughter, and that they bring smiles to her face.
In the anniversary book I discovered a card that my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Richardson, had written to my Mom. When I was in 4th grade President Kennedy was shot, my father served on the school board, and my mother was the President of the school’s PTA. My sister was in 5th grade and my two brothers in high school. We went to 3 high school football games a week to watch my brothers and support the teams. I was a “rah rah” from an early age. When Mrs. Richardson had written the card to my mother it was 2002, she had been retired for 17 years. That wasn’t so long ago but her words took me right back to 1963 and I can see tall Mrs. Richardson with her warm smile standing in the doorway of the 4th grade classroom.
She said in her card: “Some of most productive years of my life were spent in the classroom, praying that I was impacting the lives of children in a positive way. Teaching can be very productive.” I sat back and reminisced about what I learned and who I was in grade 4 and can picture myself in the middle row of the classroom, third seat back with those giant windows that looked out onto the playground. Mrs. Richardson so very kind and caring to each of us. If anyone asked me, I’ll be the first one to provide testimony on the positive influence Mrs. Richardson had on me. My thoughts turn to teaching today, and even though we are in a very different place – wanting to impact kids in a positive way – remains the same!
The card Mrs. Richardson sent has a watercolor painting on the front that shows purple flowers shooting up from the deep dark green hosta leaves. The message on the front says: The hostas bend & sway with the breeze… their beauty remains intact… As individuals we learn to bend and sway with life’s Blessings and Challenges! Ain’t it the truth??!! I hope you will have a few minutes during winter break this week to reflect on the past and what you are doing presently in your classrooms.
(I wrote Mrs. Richardson a card thanking her for impacting my life. I just hope the card reaches her).
me arts ed 