All in a day, I bumped into ‘bookends’, parents of a student in my first class forty years ago, and parents of a child this past year.
Michelle was one of my first students. The local newspaper came to take photos when the new school opened. 1984.
There I am along with Michelle on the far right of the photo.
She never really left. As the years went by she became my Summer Camp assistant counselor (we had so much fun), and we even accidentally wore the same clothing.
Michelle visited on occasion to read or do science experiments with the children. She was always a terrific guest.
School closed for a few years while we (finally) did the big rebuild that we desperately needed. Fortunately we were able to move into a great space in our local prep school, almost across the street. By that time, Michelle had been a teacher at the school for many years. On occasion she would walk to our playground area on the campus to say hello. Here is the conversation I will never forget:
Hi Michelle! How is teaching going?
Great. I’m a Director.
Wait, you’re not old enough to be a Director.
Jennie, I’m 40.
After my shock we laughed. Well, we laughed our heads off.
My other ‘bookend’ parent belongs to Wren, who had a wonderful year in my classroom. She was the reader, the Gloria lover, the friend to everyone, ‘sharp as a tack’ and ‘bright as a star’.
We even sang together on YouTube.
Wren’s dad was so excited to see me and share a photo of Wren with ‘the’ magazine.
We talked and talked, remembering the past year. One day I will hopefully have decades of memories with Wren, as I have with Michelle.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
These “children” will never forget Jennie. I’m happy you connected with these bookends.
I’m happy, too. 🥰
Wonderful story, Jennie. It’s so rewarding to watch your ‘extended family’ grow and succeed…right along with you. Do you occasionally see other students/families in your community?
It’s very rewording, Steve. Yes, I do see others as well. Lucky me!
Such wonderful memories, Jennie!
😍
A life of transforming lives, Jennie. Hats off to you. It’s hard to know what is more valuable than a good teacher. The ones who make the biggest most positive impact always travel with you through life, though it’s too easy to forget to give them due credit as the years roll on. So you’ve reminded me, I need to ‘check in’ with some mine, wherever they are in the good spirit zone.
Thank you for your lovely words, Tish. I do hope you check in with some of yours. It’s never too late for a thank you.
🙂 🙂 🙂
This is so beautiful and wonderful , your posts always touch me. I wish I had had a teacher like you Jennie…. I might have so much a better person ,💜
That is so nice of you to say, Willow. I am touched. Thank you. 💕
💜💜💜
How special! I love how your students show up in your life long after they leave your class. I’m sure the paths of you and Wren will cross as well. Such a a cute video.
It really is wonderful! I do hope Wren’s path continues with me. Thanks so much, Darlene. 😀
Every post a winner when your ‘oldies’ come to visit 🙂
I heartily concur!
Thanks, FR. Lucky me!
How wonderfully rewarding to be able to ‘bookend’.
Very, very cool.
Thanks, Laura! It really was!
This is so sweet
😍
I love it when you meet kids again as adults and they’ve done well.
It really is wonderful when that happens!
Such great memories, Jennie. Wren is wonderful. A real camera magnet.
Thanks, Don! She really is. 😀
A real evidence of ‘community’. That has to exist, and cannot be faked or bought.
Best wishes, Pete.
Well said, Pete!
Well said, Pete!
So sweet. Everyone’s bookends should be so lovable.
Hear, hear!
oh, Jennie, you know how magnificent I think this is!
I do, Beth, very much so. ❤️
I remember little Wren!
She is wonderful!
Connecting the bookends. How wonderful.
Thank you. Lucky me!
A great story, Jennie. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks, John. So glad you enjoyed it.
It was lovely.
🙂
Okay, that’s it. Sorry but I want to go back to childhood, but ONLY if you’re my teacher. Then I could be your friend for a zillion years. ❤
Awww…. That’s so nice, Pam! 🥰
❤
I love this, such a wonderful story. It’s so great to see how this all comes around.
Thank you, Carla! 💕
Some of my classmates love telling the joke about how we look at pictures of someone and think, Gosh, they’re looking old.” About five seconds later we realize that this is someone we went to high school with, and they probably think the same thing about us.🤣
So much fun to see Jennie in the early years of teaching. It says a lot that you’re still touching and changing lives.
Yes! That happens often with classmates! So funny. I just love when those old connections happen. It’s very special.
Wonderful memories Jennie. Hats off to you. You are excellent 👍👌
Thank you, Kamal!
Welcome always dear Jennie 🙏😊🙏
Jennie this was super special. I love seeing my former students, also.
Great photos of your fans. Ha
It is really wonderful when that happens. Thanks so much, Flower. 💕
Jennie, you brought past and present together, and wove them together in the most delightful way. Thanks for bringing us into your life. Hugs.
Beautiful words, Teagan. Thank you! ❤️
that video was so cute!
still smiling …..
🎶🎵🤗
😍
That is so touching.
Thank you, Jacqui. ❤️
Jennie, you’re a gift to so many children. And a legend!!!! ❤
Awww…🥰
Oh I loved this❤️. The children I taught in my first preschool class are graduating college now. Just melts my heart to see them❤️
It’s the best, isn’t it? Many thanks!
Wonderful Jennie, you are imprinted on their minds and hearts. ♥
Thank you, Sally. 🥰
Wow, Jennie. Your first student was 40. I suppose that’s how my parents feel about me. Time passes so quickly
Yes, it’s hard to believe but true. Where does time go?
Hi Jennie, this is simply wonderful!
Thank you, Charles!
These are the memories empowering for the next decades. 😉 Wonderful, and you never lost your enthusiasm in teaching the next generations the best, Jennie! Therefore many thanks again. Please enjoy a wonderful weekend! xx Michael
Such beautiful words, Michael. Thank you! 🥰