This story tells of the bonds teachers create with their students:
Several years ago, a retired teacher was looking towards her upcoming 90th birthday with great sadness. She was a widow and her 3 children were all living in distant locations. Many of her neighbors and friends had passed away, as had her husband.
“Another birthday alone,” thought the retired teacher.
By chance a former student was passing through the teacher’s neighborhood and decided to pay his favorite teacher a visit. Now a wealthy business man, the former student was almost unrecognizable from the wise-cracking, troublemaking kid the teacher had taught years ago. However, the teacher welcomed him warmly. She told him that he was indeed her birthday gift!
“You know Jim,” said Mrs. Windom, “I always thought that underneath your shenanigans, there was an intelligent and creative boy.”
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Windom,” said Jim, looking a little contrite about all his high school mischief-making.
Jim left soon after polishing off several of Mrs. Windom’s homemade oatmeal cookies and a glass of milk– a reminder of his youth. He thought about the lonely retired teacher who had done so much to positively influence his life, for look at where he was today!
Jim got busy phoning old classmates, who in turn called others. Everyone remembered Mrs. Windom with warmth and affection and true appreciation for her as an educator. Her English writing and reading lessons elevated so many of her students.
On the day of Mrs. Windom’s 90th birthday, Jim suddenly appeared at her door.
“Would you go for a ride with me,” he asked his teacher.
“Why of course! What a pleasant surprise on my birthday,” replied the teacher as she donned her coat.
After several minutes, Mrs. Windom asked Jim, “What are we doing at the high school?”
“There is something I need to check on. Would you mind coming in with me to give your teacherly opinion?” asked Jim with a smile.
As they walked the empty halls, Mrs. Windom’s mind returned to many of her students. It was such a joy to have a birthday of happy memories.
Suddenly Jim opened the door to the gym. Decorated with balloons and streamers, flowers and photographs of past high school days, the gym was transformed into a party room for more than 200 former students from as far away as several states and even other countries! Also, there were Mrs. Windom’s children, grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren!
Many approached the overjoyed teacher with stories of how her lessons had helped them in their lives. And so, the party was a great success.
After the party, several of the students remained in touch with Mrs. Windom through phone calls and letters. Her years were spent with many renewed interactions with students. No longer alone, Mrs. Windom now had a full and happy life, advising and visiting with her students!
If you are a teacher, I hope you hear from students you have taught well. If you are a student, remember your teachers: it means a lot for them to hear from you!!
