You may want to have a tissue ready when you read Pete’s wonderful photo prompt story of a castle, a teacher and a student. A teacher can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child.
The real toy castle in this photo holds a similar story, yet the roles were reversed. Wesley was captivated playing with this castle in my classroom. When it was put away in order to play with other toys, he was upset and asked for the castle. One day he had a temper tantrum in front of his mother, asking her to buy him the castle. Of course she did not.
Many years later the castle was stored in the attic at school, torn and somewhat broken. When we did a major attic clean-out a few years ago, the castle was ready for the dump. I confiscated it, with many fond memories of Wesley. I had just been invited to his Eagle Scout induction ceremony – the castle would be a perfect gift.
And, it was! Wesley said, “I remember that castle! You saved it for me?” Yes, I did. We both cried.
This is a short story in, 1025 words.
It was prompted by the above photo, the third one sent to me by Jennie Fitzkee.
https://jenniefitzkee.com/
Mister Dolman was a good teacher, everyone agreed on that. He could make his lessons come to life by pretending to be a brave knight in armour, or a hedgehog snuffling for food. He would bring things in to show the kids, anything from a funny-shaped rock he had found, to the medals his Dad had been given during the war. Not for him just the dry text of the curriculum books, oh no. In Mister Dolman’s class, the kids actually turned up excited to be there, wondering what would happen next.
And he included everyone. No kid was allowed to sit things out because they were shy, or if they had doubts about their own abilities or skills. Inclusion was his creed, and that…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Great to hear the background. I bet Wesley treasures that castle. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, he does! Best to you, Pete.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful backstory Jennie!
Thank you, Kim! How amazing that the backstory and Pete’s story were similar. 🙂
This was magnificent.
Thanks for sharing, Jennie
Thank you, Hook. I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
Great story Jennie – so important to care!
Thanks, Opher. Yes it is!
Wonderful, Jennie…
Thank you, Bette. 🙂
That was a beautiful story … thank you so much for pointing me in that direction! I was tired, it was (is) late, and I considered skipping it, but I’m ever so glad I didn’t!
I’m glad you didn’t skip it! 🙂
Me too!
I remember your story about the castle, Jennie. So sweet. Heading over to read Pete’s story, with my tissues. 🙂
Thank you, Diana. 🙂
I remember your post about this castle. Pete has written a perfect accompaniment to it.
Pete’s post was marvelous, and seemed to flow seamlessly from my castle post. Thank you for reading, and for remembering the castle post, Liz.
I remembered your post as soon as I saw the photo come across my email.
I’m so glad. Thank you, Liz!