I was invited to a high school hockey game by one of my former preschoolers. Lucky me, and what a special treat. She’s on the team. It turns out that the hockey team has many more of my preschoolers.
Look at those big smiles! What a reunion, and what a fuss we made. I may have behaved like a crazy lady at the hockey rink greeting these wonderful kids. When I stopped to look at the audience – the parents of these children, and plenty of other parents and kids – I saw the faces looking at me. There were nods and smiles, words of understanding, and almost wishfulness. Connecting a preschool teacher with a group of her children years later (children to me, not students) is something you don’t see every day.
Bianca invited me. Thank you! She is on the far right. She is as lovely and outgoing today as she was years ago.
Left to right in the hockey photo is Will (who I always affectionately called Will-Will), Neil (quiet, kind, smart), Bryson (Mr. Outgoing), and Bianca. Below is Liam (ever-busy and funny). A class photo from 2005 includes most of these children:
Bianca is sitting on my lap. Bryson is on the bottom row, third from the right. Liam is beside Bryson in the green shirt. Neil’s sister is top row in white. Will’s brother is wearing #95 on the top row.
I love these children. I teach from the heart, and look what happens: my preschoolers become young adults with a positive sense of self, and goodness for others. And, they invite me to a hockey game! They remember.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a complete joy to see this, Jennie. Yet more evidence of how the love of those children for you continues into later life. You really couldn’t wish for a better legacy, I’m sure.
Best wishes, Pete.
I’m so glad this gave you joy, Pete. Thank you. It really is the best legacy I could have. Best to you.
How special. When you treat young folks right, it comes back to you. They never forget.
What goes around comes around. You are so right, Darlene. It is special, and they never forget. Many thanks!
Your wonderful posts always make my heart smile, Jennie. xo
I’m so glad, Patricia. Thank you! 😀
I’ve been a substitute teacher for many years in my community. It’s truly amazing to see the students mature and grow. It gives you a new perspective as a teacher. I taught some of this year’s grade 11 students back when they were in Kindergarten while I was in a replacement position. When I see them now, I can still remember them from when they were just starting school. They’re still fantastic students. 🙂
It is truly a wonderful experience. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
How wonderful, Jennie, to have a reunion like this with children from your previous classes.
Thank you, Robbie. It was, indeed!
This is so precious Jennie! The effect you have had on their lives means they’ll never forget you 💜
I am the lucky one. Thanks, Ritu!
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What a heartwarming post, Jennie. You should be very proud. (I can tell you are)
Thank you, John. Yes, I’m proud of these children, and thrilled to still be ‘there’. Seems like yesterday. Glad you enjoyed it.
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What a joy it is to have children come back to say hello. And to invite you to their hockey game is extra special! I’m not at all surprised, though, Jennie, that these kids remember you and their experiences in preschool with such fondness. It’s all because of you… – Susan
It was such a joy, Susan. Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊
Long live crazy ladies! Such joy – and those ‘kids’ still have engaging facial expressions, ya know?
Crazy is good! There was so much joy, Laura. I’m glad you could see it in their faces. Many thanks!
You are such a treasure, Jennie!
That’s so nice, Luanne. Thank you! 😊
What a joy to walk in the forest of trees you watered and trimmed as saplings!
Woah! Mitch, I am blown away at your kind and deep-feeling words. Thank you! I am writing down your words on a post-it note and putting it on my computer screen. Really. It will go beside my Hans Christian Anderson quote and Einstein quote. Thank you so much. And yes, it is a great joy. I realize and appreciate my blessings. Best to you, Mitch.
Lovely post, Jennie! You have such a positive impact on so many lives. Of course, your students want to reconnect and spend time with you! 🙂
Thank you, Tonya! 🙂
How wonderful to connect with these young people and find the love that still grows, from its beginning in preschool. I so agree – they have always been my children too – never liked using that word ‘student’ – child first and foremost!
I knew you would feel the same way about ‘student’ vs ‘child’. It is definitely wonderful, Norah. Aren’t we lucky!
Again, I understand. My students all grown up, have run into me now with their children, or in a uniform-or tall and sporting a beard . . They often say “Do you remember when we read “Little Tree”? or “The Secret Garden”? oh how beautiful that is.
Isn’t that wonderful? Full circle and they still remember. 😀
Wow, Jennie! You are a rock star to these young adults. You are and always were a beacon of love and hope. Thank you for sharing this. It is wonderful indeed to know you touched other’s lives. Moving and changing names, my students only have their yearbooks and class photos. I am not on Facebook, etc. I was invited to sit at the parents’ table at a wedding of one of my babysitting kids two summers ago! Mick told everyone I “raised” him. 💕
What a great story about Mick! Thanks for your kind words, Robin. I think you are a beacon of hope and love for me and so many others. I am happy and blessed that my children of long ago remember. Really. ❤️
This warms my heart to hear and see that you are so well remembered by your students and that so many are still acquainted with one another. I’m sure it gives you the warm fuzzies as well. Have a wonderfilled week ahead with more memories in the making.
It was so special and such a treat for me. Warm fuzzies all over! Thank you, Marlene. Best to you!
That must have been a wonderful feeling. You know you’ve made a difference in their lives.
It is a wonderful feeling, Dan. Making a difference is as good as it gets.
Hello, Jennie! Good to read all this. It warms the heart to do that. Kudos, Love and Regards. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
🙂
You’re welcome!
PS: Glad to see the pictures of the Children, even the grown up ones. And particularly happy to see YOU! 🙂
I’m so glad. Best wishes! 🙂
Thanks, Jennie, and the Same to You and Yours. 🙂
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Your connection to your ‘children’ years later is simply wonderful!
Thanks so much, Marcia! 😊
How VERY rewarding. Bless you, Jennie.
It is. Thank you so much, Ren!