Saturday, September 20, 2008

Sunday Scribblings: The invitation...

The letters came by mail two or three times a year, finding their way to my hands across the miles and miles of concrete slabs reaching the place where the cactus blooms; gently creasing the branch of the birch pines high atop the Sierra mountain range; and the token on the seat of a subway train on Chicago's west side; til finally resting in my open arms amidst the suburban sprawl on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina.


From 1987-2000, “Woodstock” as she was fondly called, would share her life on the page. And as always, it ended with the invitation....

“Will you come back and be my teacher in ____ grade?

I, too, would respond via letter and share snippets of my own life. Though the last time I saw her was during her second grade year, before my eyes she grew up developing her language and her ability to express herself, and in turn, sharing vignettes of the life she created.

In June of 2000, “Woodstock” graduated from High School and this time, the invitation read: “Will you come to my graduation?”

Unfortunately this wasn’t to be the case, however, I did pick up the phone on the day in question and talked to Meghan, (and Kenneth, and Keith) wishing them well in the world and then I thanked Meghan for including their 2nd grade teacher in the celebration. Little do they know that this letter is framed and placed above my writing desk, providing inspiration and validation that a piece of the journey that is “work” is worth it-….read other noteworthy invitations at http://sundayscribblings.blogspot.com/ - until next time......Teach.

6 comments:

Linda Jacobs said...

This brought tears to my eyes! I'm a teacher, too, and we never know the impact we make.

Patois42 said...

How beautiful. You must be some teacher.

Karen Travels said...

Have I told you how glad I am to see you partaking in Sunday Scribblings? Thanks for the comments on my blog, I don't know why the music teacher can't take my class. He said he almost walked out!! As in, QUIT! Wow.

Lucy said...

this gave me shivers Teach! My son is in grad school to become a special ed./elem. teacher and we were just talking about HOW much one teacher can touch a child's life.
After writing a post blasting how detrimental a BAD teacher can be in one childs life, it's so nice to hear of a child who was obviously affected in a very good way.
great post!
AND I loved your two lines that you've added to my poem!

Tumblewords: said...

I'm so happy to have read this piece! It makes me believe again...

susan said...

Teachers and librarians, there are none better. Looking forward to reading more from you.