MRS. M

Last year, we put Gracie in all-day kindergarten. Yes, it was expensive, but we needed the flexibility with our work schedules and she was SO eager for school. Needless to say, she was tremendously successful, and, even with missing a month of school due to illness, she graduated from Kindergarten with flying colors. I credit alot of this to Mrs. M, her teacher.

Mrs. M is a gentle, caring, patient and all-out amazing teacher who will have a spot in our hearts forever. When Grace was hospitalized with meningitis and subsequently home-bound with an I.V line for 2 weeks following, Mrs. M spoke with her every day. She kept her up to date on the fun things that were going on in the classroom. Her classmates made her 22 get-well cards. When we stopped by to visit and pick up some school work, she was greeted with loving hugs and "I missed you's". In their "end of the year" scrapbooks, she included a letter to be opened on the day they graduate from high school. Over this past summer, she sent all her Kindergartners postcards from Maui. She made "her kids" feel loved and full of self worth. She was willing to put forth alot of extra effort to do the extra things. This is what makes her remarkable. To Gracie, all of these things meant the world to her. The last day of Kindergarten was tough on all of us. We really felt like she was family to us. We talk of Mrs. M all the time.

Fast forward to today. As we were perusing the apples at the grocery store today, we heard a familiar voice behind us saying "Is that my Gracie?". There she was...Mrs. M. Gracie ran to her and they had a big hug. It was a wonderful moment. She asked us what class Grace was in this year, and when we told her she was in a 1/2 combo class she said "Oh I am so glad! I recommended that she be placed in that class because it would be more challenging for her. It's a privilege for her to be there." Mrs. M was so good about recognizing Gracie's ability and eagerness to learn. We had a wonderful visit, lots more hugs, and a promise to go and visit her old classroom soon. As we parted ways, I had a bittersweet feeling of affection and appreciation for how she has changed our lives.

Thank you, Mrs. M. We will never forget you.