Life happens unexpectedly.

Yes, the good and the bad woven side by side.

But Friday was good and I am still smiling about what happened.

I was rushing to get my grocery shopping done for the week when suddenly

I heard a voice from behind.

“Hi, Miss Brani!”

I turned at that familiar greeting – the greeting that my first graders used so many times when I was a first grade teacher

and my eyes fell on a handsome young man – tall, big grin on his face.

“You remember me?”

And instantly I knew him and he gave me a big hug,

For a few minutes I was drawn back in time to when I taught this man whose face shone so brightly.

Big brown eyes. I remembered exactly where he sat.

Always a good student – a joy to teach.

We spoke for a few minutes in which he shared the exciting news of the recent birth of his little daughter.

Three kids now! Happily married. My heart swelled in pride for him as I would for my own.

My own – yes he is my boy.

You see down deep in the heart of this teacher I still carry the hearts of all those boys and girls I taught

throughout my twenty some years as a first grade teacher.

They blessed me with their child like trust and buoyant spirits.

They delighted me with their thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for life.

You see I have always believed that teaching is more than academic knowledge.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” –John Maxwell

So I cared for my students spending long hours getting to know them.

Building on this one’s strengths and that one’s interests.

Creating a sense of family and acceptance.

In the process those students became treasures in my heart that continue to bloom with richness.

And when the last day came

as it did every year

I found myself with the biggest lump in my throat.

One by one they’d pass me as they’d walk out the door of my classroom for the last time.

Moment of pride/ moment of sadness.

It was time for them to move on –

But always I’ve held them in my heart.

It never changes. No the bonds of love and care created over time

never do change.

Aren’t you glad about that?

Thank you Todd for making my day!

I’m proud of you and of all your classmates wherever they are.