“Let’s take the time to thank those who have touched our lives.”
We discuss it around our table at home.

Ideas

Plans.

Ways to do it.

So my nineteen year old decided to thank her second grade teacher.

She sat thinking

and then the keys started clicking.

“Finished.” she announced with a big smile.

Back and forth the conversations continued

wondering where she was today.

Did she still teach at the small private school?

Yes, she learned. Same school.

Today we all hopped into the car

and traveled down a road  that used to be so familiar.

Every school day

morning and afternoon

second grade through fifth.

Those were the years our family experienced a failed adoption

and then the adoption of Jenny.

As we got out of the car

and walked toward the big door,

we both felt the strangeness.

Time passes too quickly. It has been 8 years.

Lots of changes.

Today Noelle is a college student.

Studying to be a teacher.

I glanced as she walked before me

long dark curly hair

taller now

more confident

a beautiful woman

wanting to step back and say thanks.

Through the we went and down the narrow steps

to the familiar office.

The familiar face of the kind

always efficient Mrs. Schuyler lit up with joyful, recognition.

“Noelle,” she squealed getting up from her seat

and coming to give her a hug.

After exchanging a few words,

Noelle inquired where her old teacher was now.

“Down this way,” she said motioning with her hand

for us to follow.

I glanced at the art work on the walls remembering that time

when my daughter’s  papers hung.

We stopped in front of the door of the classroom

while the secretary asked to speak with the teacher.

“Someone wants to see you,” she said.

She came to the door

looked around and then her eyes landed on Noelle.

The next few minutes were too beautiful to put into words.

Arms embraced.

“What are you doing here?” Mrs. Willett asked obviously moved.

“I wanted to come back and give you this card…

to say thank you for all you did for me.”

For just a second this dear teacher met my eyes.

Like yesterday she had been there

to teach my daughter when she so deeply needed reassurance.

She went the second mile

in her loving kindnesses

helping a shy little second grader find her place in a new school.

More hugs followed.

Tear filled eyes.

Yes, it’s important to think back

To remember those whose lives have made a difference.

Today I was privileged to see

a teacher and former student

reconnect again.

Shining moments all over the place.

Thanksgiving

Gives us another opportunity to express our thanks.

I have another card to send

received a precious call yesterday.

Hears touching hearts.

Never forgetting

God’s countless gifts of grace in our lives.