Once a mentally troubled child came home and gave a letter to his mother. He told her, “My teacher gave this letter to me and told me to only give it to my mother.” Reading through the letter, the mother could not believe her eyes. Gradually her eyes filled with tears. “Mum is there a problem? Did I do something wrong in school?” the boy asked.
With a shaky voice, the mother slowly began to read the contents of the letter to her son, “Your son is a genius. This school is too small for him and does not have enough good teachers to train him. Please teach him yourself.” The boy was dumbfounded. The next morning, Nancy Edison pulled her son out of the school and from that day, began to teach him diligently at home.
Many years later, Thomas Edison had grown into the most prolific inventor of…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Only teachers like this one and you Jennie are able to do this, i am sure. Thanks for sharing. xx Michael
That’s so nice, Michael. Thank you!
The power of words! One mother’s understanding of and belief in her son changed the world. I’ve always found this account of Edison’s life inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
I feel exactly the same way!
What a remarkable, loving woman. To think what irrevocable damage she could have done to the young Edison with her irresponsible words–
I was stunned when I read this story. Can you imagine being the mother and responding the way she did? Without her, Edison may not have achieved anything. And those terrible words from his teacher could have changed his life for the worst.
I hate to think of the children whose parents didn’t shield them from the terrible words of teachers who pass judgement on a life that has barely begun.
Unfortunately that’s how it was back then. The damage can be irreparable. I’m glad things have changed. And, thank goodness for his wise and wonderful mother.
Yes, on all counts!
That’s very powerful!
Yes, indeed!
I had never heard that story before, Jennie. Genius has often been associated with madness in the past. Thankfully, modern inventors can usually find support for their ideas these days.
Best wishes, Pete.
The story really struck me, Pete. Yes, we understand the mind of a genius far better today. The real star in the story is his mother. Best to you, Pete.
Edison was more known for refining existing ideas. He actually didn’t invent the light bulb. It was already well known. He simply found a way to make it better.
When he was a teenager he once saved the Stationmaster’s son from being killed by a train. The Stationmaster in gratitude taught Edison Morse Code. Later when Edison had children of his own he nicknamed two of his three children “Dot” and “Dash”.
What a great story! Thank you, Wayne!
Never knew this side of Edison, Wayne. Thanks.
Oh my, that brought a tear to my eyes.
Me, too!
love this and feel for him and all who are different and suffer for it and happy for those who recognize the genius in all of us, as you are one of those people who see it in them
Thank you, Beth. Spoken like the wise and wonderful teacher that you are. Thank goodness the days of teachers fitting square pegs into round holes are gone.
Incredible!
I know!
This is so beautiful and amazing. Couldn’t hold back a sob.
I felt exactly the same way!
A beautiful story.
Thank you, GP. It sure put a lump in my throat.
Lovely choice to share, Jennie. Hugs on the wing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Teagan.
The power of words in action.
Yes, yes!
Such an inspiring story and shows us how careful we need to be with the words we choose.
Well said, Norah!
Thank you Jennie for your reblog and the story is so beautiful. The mother was profound and inspiring.
My pleasure, and what a story and a mother. Wow!
He had a truly impressive mother. Most children live up to the expectations people have of them. On occasion, some can surpass them but most don’t. I was shocked when I read that the letter was different than his mother read to herself. Thanks for sharing this.
I was shocked, too. Imagine the presence of mind she must have had to read it entirely differently to her son. What a story, and what a mom!
Yeah! I remember this.The most beautiful ❤️ story in my school days.
Yes!