Some students stick with you, and some stick with you like glue. That would be Emma. This is the story of Emma, a child who thrived in the Aqua Room, and returned on occasion to visit. Her journey is heartwarming and remarkable.
I always begin the school year reading aloud Charlotte’s Web. Emma loved listening to me read the chapters. When Halloween arrived, she convinced her grandmother to make a Charlotte costume for her, and a Wilbur costume for her little brother.
Yes, Emma loved books. She also adored Gloria. Her entries in Gloria’s journal are priceless.
My favorite is Emma taking Gloria to the Boston Opera House
to see ‘Cinderella’. Of course she is wearing a crown!
A few years later Emma returned to be a guest reader. She had learned to read, and wanted to read aloud the book she remembered hearing every day before chapter reading, Goodnight Moon.
Look at that big smile!
As the years went by, Emma visited on occasion. We laughed, hugged, ran around on the playground, and talked about school, books, and a million other things. Her visits were not frequent, but they were always delightful. I could tell Emma was ‘cementing’ the personality and characteristics I had always seen when she was a child.
Recently, Emma’s mom invited me to the school drama production of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Yes, Emma was Ariel, the star of the play. I was beside myself with excitement!
And there she was, on stage, singing like an angel with poise, presence and confidence. I was very proud, and quite overcome.
Parents see their children grow into young adults every day. Teachers see their students grow into young adults in bits and pieces over time, if they are lucky enough to keep in touch. When I saw Emma on stage, I think I was more startled, more overwhelmed in the best of ways, than her parents.
It gets better…
When you’re the teacher saying words like “You were wonderful”, those words are often far more powerful than the same words from a parent. So, after the show I had my opportunity. Ariel was there for any child in the audience who wanted to meet and greet her. You can imagine the long line. In the back of the line was…me. I dropped to my knee to tell her how wonderful she was.
Emma’s chin quivered. Really. She didn’t know I was there to watch the drama production. I grabbed her hands and we squeezed like holding on could stop time and save the moment.
“Ariel, will you come to the Aqua Room
and sing to the children?”
She said , “Yes!”
We hugged, cried, squeezed hands even harder, and our eyes locked on. That ‘yes’ was as wonderful for Emma as it was for me.
She came. She sang like an angel. The children were spellbound.
Always believe in children. Stop to tell them when they’re doing something wonderful, big or small. A smile and a hug are gigantic when they feel sad or lost. Read aloud. The next Emma might be right around the corner.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Oh yeah — you bet I’m crying! What a lovely, emotion-filled, inspiring post. I know you’ve sent many Emmas out into the world Jennie, and every one of them is armed with the wonderful gift of you as a teacher.
My goodness…🥰 Thank you, Barb. Tears are a good thing. Emma was closer to crying than I was (her chin couldn’t stop quivering.). Honestly, if I can give something to children and make a difference, then that’s as good as it gets. I am so lucky to be a teacher.
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Oh, Jennie. This is such a wonderful story. The love and respect flowing in this story is endless. I am proud of both of you and happy for both of you and for all the Emmas in your classroom.
Thank you so much, Dan! 🥰 It’s the Emmas who keep inspiring me.
oh, Jennie, this is so beautiful and when something like this happens, it is awe-inspiring.
It really is, you know that experience first-hand. We are so lucky!
Aw Jennie, welling up reading this. What a beautiful young lady you and her parents have developed!
Thank you, FR. She is, indeed!
A beautiful, touching story of life that brought tears to my eyes this morning. Well done, good lady, well done.
Thank you, Frank. 🥰
Heart warming. Well done Jenny. You should be in charge of the education system.
Thank you, Opher. Parents still think that academics are #1. Making them understand the social/emotional piece is the foundation for academics is an uphill battle. Let’s start with kindness and reading aloud.
Kinder—Precious 🦋
Thank you.
I’m in tears 😭!!! Jennie, please tell Emma congratulations from us! THIS is what life is all about. You believed in her, cultivated her imagination, read to her, sang with her (I know), her family did the same—look at what that did! Oh, Jennie. My heart is so full. Emma, you’re a beautiful young lady with a special gift. Jennie, you’re an amazing human and teacher, too. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! ❤️🎶😭💕
Beautiful words! Thank you for filling my heart! ❤️
You’re so welcome! It’s MY blessing! You make the world brighter! My heart is full, too! ❤️❤️❤️
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I have no words for that, Jennie. What a wonderful story.
Thank you, Jacqui. No words needed. 🥰
Another truly heartwarming story. What a wonderful young woman Emma has become, and I am sure that a huge part of that is thanks to you, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
It’s the Emmas of the world who inspire me and keep me going. Thank you, Pete. I’m glad it warmed your heart.
Oh! Jennie what a lovely , lovely end to a beautiful story. Your grown up pupils bare a credit bto you 💜💜💜
Thank you, Willow! I hope Emma invites me to her high school graduation. ❤️
I hope she does too , you certainly deserve to go 💜💜💜
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Sooooo sweet. You are wonderful.
Thank you!
How touching and beautiful. Thank you, Jennie.
Thank you, Sandy. 💕
What a beautiful story, Jenny! I have tears. It made me think of my “Emma’s” and how much they mean to me and the world. Thank you for reminding me. Susan
I’m so glad this brought you beautiful memories. Thank you, Susan!
How wonderful, Jennie.
Thank you, GP.
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What a wonderful story. She is such a lovely young woman, but I guess you knew she would be. I can imagine how emotional it was for you to see her on stage and hear her sing. My eyes are leaking just reading about it. Love the pictures too.
Thank you, Darlene. Yes, it was very emotional for me to hear her sing on stage. All the memories came flooding back. My eyes leaked, too. I’m so glad you enjoyed this post!
What a wonderful story, Jennie. It brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you so much, Alethea.
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It is wonderful that you were able to see the results of your time with her. That explains why you are a teacher.
Thank you, Pam.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, Jennie. Excuse me, but my allergies are making my eyes tear up.
You’re welcome, John. I’m glad you enjoyed this. Tearing up can be a good thing.
Another outstanding hope-for-the-future post! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Thank you, Liz! There is definitely hope for the future.
You’re welcome, Jennie!
How beautiful 🥰
Thank you, Ritu. 💕
I love this, Jennie. My grin is big. Hugs!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Teagan.
Aw, that is so sweet, Jennie. What a treat for you to see Emma growing up into such a lovely person. You had a big hand in that process too.
Thank you, Anneli. It was certainly a treat to watch Emma grow. I feel very lucky to be a part of her growth and development. She is a lovely person.
Wow, that’s so wonderful that you have had an opportunity to see her grow. She’s so talented! What a joy and treat to have come sing to the children in Aqua Room. She’s inspiring and teaching! Full circle me thinks. 😍
Yes, full circle! I feel very lucky. Thanks, Deborah!
I often describe teaching as like reading one of the early chapters of a book and wondering how it turns out. Sometimes, we get the answers, and the middle and ending chapters couldn’t be better.
I just got contacted today by a girl I taught in 3rd grade. She was oh so bright, but oh so shy. I’ve often wondered about her. Today, she (now a senior) reached out and said she’s producing a radio show and wants to interview me. She also is serving as a Student Advisor at the state level. It doesn’t get much better than that, which is why I so get your post.
Pete, I love your analogy. That’s exactly how teaching is. You have ‘walked the walk’ and know. I’m feeling the excitement of your former student interviewing you on the radio. WOW! It doesn’t get much better than that, for sure.
Wonderful! Wonderful! A beautiful story, Jennie. Your advice is so true. A kind word does wonders, for little and big ‘Emmas’. Have a wonderful day, Jennie!
Thank you, Steve. You said it very well!
what a beautiful story, Jennie. As they say, it takes two to tango. Emma has had many teachers over the years, but you were the one who took the time to develop her love of reading and performing and the one who took the time to stay in tocuh with her. I wish you and Emma continued success!
That’s so nice of you to say, Jim. Thank you. Yes, that’s what I did. It’s what I do all the time. My co-teacher is left brain, I’m right brain. She rolls her eyes at me when I say, “Guess what, I dropped to my knee and invited Ariel to come and sing for the children!” She knows the power of connecting with children, sticking with them, and she sees the wonderful things that happen. I hope Emma invites me to her graduation.
Thanks for telling this beautiful story, Jennie! You are creating stars. I am really not wondering about the coming back visits of many of your former students. Thanks again for your work. Best wishes, Michael
That’s so nice, Michael. I’m glad you enjoyed this story. Yes, they keep coming back. Lucky me! Thank you!
Dear Jenny… I had goosebumps and a huge lump in my throat while ready and Yes it did get better .. lol… As my tears fell as I listened to the little video and read your words at the end…
What fantastic Journey Emma has been on and I feel so very privileged that you shared it with us … A beautiful post…. Thank you for being YOU and GIVING the Gift of LOVE ❤ xx
Dear Sue, thank you for your very kind words. I’m glad Emma’s story gave you goosebumps and a lump in your throat. Tears are a good thing! It’s all about the love for others, especially children. ❤️
Exactly that Jennie. It’s ALL about the children xx 💜💜💜
Yes! 😍
Beautiful story, Jennie. Your students – past and present – are quite lucky to have you in their lives.🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Bruce. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 🥰
Thoroughly agree Jennie. Emotional empathy and compassion are more important than academic achievement.
Amen!
Wow, Jennie. This was practically a tear-jerker. What a wonderful gift you gave to Emma, and how beautiful that she was able to return it to you and pass it on to the current Aqua Room kids. (I love the Charlotte and Wilbur costumes. Does it get any more adorable than that?) Wonderful post.
Jennie, I’m writing this with difficulty, trying to see between the tears! One of the most moving posts I’ve read in recent times and truly a celebration of nurturing children, giving them belief in themselves, instilling a love of life, of all things creative. Bless you for your care with all the Emmas in this world. The photos of you both are wonderful!
So beautiful and wonderful post Jennie. Emma as a young girl is looking so beautiful. Lovely story 👏👏
This was wonderful to read. On a sad note a past student of mine–a great animator named Mark Gustafson just died. I taught him 44 years ago and he was a delight to know. How odd to have students die. I much prefer the idea of watching them in school plays.
This is a great story, from beginning to end. I agree with you: “Stop to tell them when they’re doing something wonderful…” If only more people did this, a better future we’d all have.
Hear, hear! And thank you, Ally.
Hi Jennie, what a wonderful show, Emma’s singing is beautiful. 😍
Hi Robbie, yes on all counts. This is one I will never forget.
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Hi Jennie, thank you for this wonderful post!
Hi Charles, I’m glad you enjoyed this!
Love this SO much. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Thank you, Gregg!
What a lovely story, Jennie. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you, Kymber!
This page was still open on my browser to remind me to leave a comment. I was truly overwhelmed in my heart by this post. What a beautiful, sweet and talented young girl she is. You guide and offer opportunity and some take it and run with it. This sweet child did just that. Not all children are lucky enough to have a Jennie in their lives but those that do I’m sure have nothing but gratitude for the experience. I’ve read this twice and it still moves me. Loved the video as well.
How wonderful to read your comment, Marlene. Thank you. Yes, some take it and run with it, but one never knows who will do that, so we give all children love and opportunities as best we can. I feel blessed! Best to you!
We should all have a teacher as encouraging as you Jennie ♥️ can’t remember if I already invited you but it bears repeating that I love your posts and tx would be thrilled if you’d write a guest blog post for my site. If you think it might be fun or helpful to have my followers meet you, here’s the link for general guidelines: https://wp.me/p6OZAy-1eQ – best, da-AL
Thanks so much! Your words are truly kind. I will do my best to get back to you on your invitation.
Thanks for considering. Please email me if you have questions. ContactdaAL@gmail.com
Such a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing, and for being a teacher. 🕊️
Thank you.