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Betsy Hemming's avatar

Beautiful. I brought tears to my eyes. I had a special teacher too, and this really resonated. Thank you.

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Mike's avatar

Thank God for all of those wonderful teachers! Even 60 years later I am in a group that meets from my grade school years. All of us have been touched by someone who would not let its hide our light.

I wrote this after attending Grand Parents Day for my grandson who just finished first grade.

TIME MACHINE

I am learning to love the Time Machine

Someday I might even be able to control it

But I have found out it is better to go for the ride

Sit back, watch, learn, reminiscence and smile

There wasn’t any portal or flashing lights

But today it took me back to the first grade

As I was sharing a lunch with my grandson

Seeing what it is with twenty four, 6 year olds

I was just so happy to share his world

Seeing his class and his friends all about

And then the event started to change

Unfolding before my eyes I watched it all

I saw that I was among 24 separate universes

All traveling and operating with their own rules

At least that is what my mind said I was seeing

And then she stepped forward, gently, calmly

At first I thought chaos is coming to order

She was the magician that controlled this scene

Silence and order came from the a calm voice

As this First Grade Teacher gently took control

It was amazing to watch those six year olds

Every question they had became answered

As all their needs and issues seemed to fade

These beautiful children became a class

Somehow first grade is some kind of miracle

A teacher gets kids to sit, play nice, read

Write, learn numbers, do math, and learn

They are taught to focus, do art and be kind

I thought about when I was in First Grade

I couldn’t recall if I was part of the chaos

Now I want the Time Machine to take me

Back so I can tell my teacher, “Thank You”

Now I have to settle as the machine stops

I tell this wonderful teacher “Thank You!’

And I let her know that even 60 years later

I still think about my great 1st grade teacher

2nd poem of Lent

Inspired by Mrs. Neuenswander

1st Grade Teacher at Horizon

“That’s what it is with twenty four 6 year olds.”

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Patti Digh's avatar

Beautiful, Mike. Thank you.

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Sandi Howlett's avatar

Teacher as legacy.......legacy as teacher.....

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Peg's avatar

I am tearing up now! What a beautiful tribute. It reminds me of my 4th grade teacher, Miss Lollie Cobb. She was on up there in age when I had her, but I remember writing to her when I was in college. She was always so encouraging and positive. She gave me a small angel Christmas ornament that I still have, and I think of her every time I hang it on the tree in a place of prominence. It really is amazing how one teacher can influence your entire life. Teachers should be revered by our society because of their importance to our future generations!

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Franky McArthur's avatar

What a special woman, this brought tears to my eyes 💕

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Janie Starr's avatar

What a beautiful woman and now I feel as though I know her in a small way. Thank you, Patti, for sharing her with us. And for sharing both her and your light with us as well.

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Serena Vogel's avatar

Patti, this is beautiful. I had some very special teachers in my life too. And as a middle school counselor for 30 years I hope I was that to some of my students. I do have some students I still communicate with. One of my former students is now my dentist and another is my massage therapist. The teacher student bond is uniquely important and shapes lives in amazing ways. What a gift you had with Mrs. Smith. Thank you again for this lovely inspirational story!

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Margot Wagner's avatar

Do you need a thing more than that bird? Wonderful piece of writing that shares her legacy. Thank you.

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Sonia Voldseth's avatar

Bless the teachers that make such a positive difference, quietly, humbly, and with inadequate pay or gratitude. If you're a teacher reading this comment, thank you! And thank you, Patti, for this beautiful piece. :-)

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Jena Ball's avatar

What a precious gift she gave you and you gave her. My mom taught middle school for 35 years and her students would occasionally keep in touch. Good teachers are priceless.

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Randall Van Nostrand's avatar

Beautiful! It gives me hope that there are teachers like Mrs. Smith in the world.

What a gift to hear about her.

Thank you!

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Alison Miyake's avatar

Wow! Just wow… and I love your little bird. What a thoughtful gift. ♥️

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Anita C. Hill's avatar

Thank you for the memories your post brought forth in me. Mrs. Brown was the most special teacher I had. Creative, fun, thoughtful, kind. I wanted to become like her. She holds a special place in my heart.

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Katherine's avatar

As a teacher, this stirred so much in me. I am a teacher because of my mother. She saw my potential before I knew i could become one. And yes, one should never hide that light! We line the corridors of learning and cheer others on that journey.

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Melanie Morgan's avatar

Thank you! I really need a good cry this morning!

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Jodi Cohen's avatar

Oh moo. I love this story and I love you. Every day I see an email from you, I think: oh goody!

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