Skip to main content

I Miss Them


They were my introduction to the south. They attempted to teach me the country way of doing things. They trusted me not only in the classroom, but also with honest writing. They came to me when they needed someone to tutor them, offer a kind word or just to listen. We laughed together. We made memories in the classroom. I went back for a visit today.

There is something magical about visiting students of the past. They think back fondly to the time we spent together. The piles of homework I assigned, forgotten. Today when I walked into the lunchroom at Benson Middle School, I was greeted with hugs and smiles. For the thirty minute lunch period, I bounced from table to table. Each table wanting me to stay longer, other tables calling me over. Why were they so happy to see me? I was just another teacher in their lives, some I didn’t even have in class. What made my visit so exciting that they talked about it all morning before I arrived? Why do I miss them all so much?

I have stated on many occasions that I miss working with the kids in Benson. I genuinely like them. Not only are they great kids and fun to teach, I also know how to work with the issues they bring to the table. I have experience helping kids figure out things relating to drugs, sex, abuse, relationships, cutting, gangs, and the list goes on. I am good at it. I am no longer a teacher there, but was given an office to use to help a couple of students through some tough issues they were facing. (I won’t go into details as it is not my story to tell.) Any shadows of animosity I may have been feeling due to being cut, was wiped away with the small action of giving me a time and place to do what I do. Talk to kids when they need it. Thank you, Mrs. Singleton and Mrs. Bazemore.

Students have a way of climbing into my heart and taking up residence. The students of BMS last year did just that. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WABDR: Section 1

Section 1  We end at the beginning  Does it feel like this trip will never end? Epic adventures tend to last a bit longer than just an average one. So….on with our tale.  We got our bikes all packed up and continued over White Pass. The first time we went over it, it was a cloudy day. Thus, the visibility of the mountains was not much. I was expecting the same on our return trip to Packwood. Therefore, it took my breath away when I saw the mountain off in the distance for the first time. The beauty was so overwhelming, I teared up.    I continued to watch the mountain until I could see it no more. Soon we were in Packwood. Back where we started. After a quick breakfast at the local coffee shop, we were on our way. I may have taken a few minutes to ride the big bike first… Not too long though, because someone was ready to get moving.  Jennifer had some friends that were camping at Walupt Lake, which is right on the trail for Sectio...
Post a Comment
Read more

An Easter Lesson

I decided that this break I was going to stay home and spend the week doing things I have not done or haven't done in awhile. It all began Thursday night with Ballroom Dancing, which will continue on Monday and Thursday with lessons. Saturday, I bought a couple of new outfits. Today brought both something I hadn't done in awhile and something new. Today, I went to church which was pretty cool in itself. I went with someone I just met the day before. (I am sure that is no surprise to any of you who know me.) We made plans to meet up at church. It was different from any church I had been in before. The chairs were set up "in the round." There was no piano or organ to accompany our singing. People were in and out throughout the 90 minute service. No surprise, the place was packed. The service was your typical protestant service, minus the organ, of course. It had been awhile since my friend had been to church. Many in the congregation flocked to him at the end to gi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Epic Adventure: Riding the Washington BDR

PROLOGUE “Hey Mandie, let’s ride the TAT (TransAmerican Trail)  on dual sports bikes next year!” my sister, Jennifer, suggested. “Sure!” I was quick to agree. She lives on the West coast, I live on the East. Any chance to spend together, I was going to take it. This is a good place for me to mention I had no idea what a dual sports bike was. She has been riding a variety of motorcycles for about 40 years. Me? Me and my 750 Shadow, Layla, had put on about 40,000 miles in the five years I have been riding. She puts on that kind of mileage in a month. A few months later, Jennifer decided the Washington BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) would be a better fit as it was shorter and a bit easier. I was cool with it. I was in it to spend time with my sister. It was no big deal to me where we did it. Over the next few months, she purchased a bike for the both of us and outfitted it for our epic adventure. And then she practiced every weekend until I arrived. I would tell p...
2 comments
Read more