Awww…just look at that smile!
Gloria arrived back home with much fanfare. There’s nothing like welcoming a best friend after a long trip. We learned that Missouri has cows. Lots of cows. So, included in Gloria’s welcome home box was a full cow robe!
My co-teacher put on the robe, and then she carried Gloria on her shoulders throughout the school. Everyone shouted and clapped. She even went to the playground.
Of course back in the classroom children wanted to wear the cow robe.
We wrote and decorated a giant thank you letter to Zeb.
Gloria’s journal was so full of wonderful words from all her friends in Missouri that it took us two days to read everything.
These are a few excerpts from the journal entry:
“I told her all about growing up near cows, farms, rivers, and the lake. And all about the kind people here. My mom and dad and family couldn’t wait to meet Gloria!
After resting from her long trip and family visit, it was time to have a nice relaxing trip to our nature center! Gloria saw many birds and enjoyed learning about Missouri’s different trees and even flowers and plants.
Before we visited our first school I asked Gloria what she loved most about school. “Kids!” For hundreds of years what hasn’t changed is the heart of kids.
After giving Gloria some saline spray due to Missouri’s hardwood trees, we were off to school. She met over 50 kids! One class taught her computer games and technology etiquette. She couldn’t believe so many kids loved her! Gloria visited 6 different schools and over 200 kids in total!
She went to Kansas City to meet family, and then to my favorite Italian restaurant. Everywhere she went, Gloria got hugs and made people smile.”
Thank you to Zeb, Finley the dog, Heart (Zeb’s baby brother) and especially to Karla @ Flannel with Faith This exchange has been wonderful, for everybody. From school children to grandparents to teachers to beloved animals, I never imagined so many meaningful things could happen.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
wow, a cow! what an amazing adventure gloria has had! so glad there were so many stories to tell and share !
Yes! Who knew she liked cows? It really has been an amazing adventure.
Great trip, Gloria!
😍
What a wonderful trip she had, and the cow suit was a lovely gift that is also educational.
Best wishes, Pete.
She really had an incredible trip, Pete. You’re right about the educational part, including geography. We love the cow suit!
What an adventure for Gloria! And the cow costume is amazing! I’m glad to see that Gloria is back home with lots of stories to tell.
Thank, Darlene! What a great trip, and the cow costume will always trigger her adventures.
The power of love 😘
Yes, indeed! 😍
Glad Gloria got to spread her cheer in the Show-Me state
Me, too! Thanks, Don.
What an amazing experience for everyone involved. Memories…
Truly! Thanks, Jacqui.
I love Gloria! Nice post. I read in Gloria’s journal that they read “Love You Forever.” I’ve tried a few times to read that to my classes, and I have a REALLY hard time getting through it without getting all choked up.
Thank you, Anneli. She’s the best! I know exactly what you mean about the book.
I’m glad about that (about the book). I thought maybe it was just me, being a weak, mushy person. It really is a tear jerker. I guess it’s not too bad for the kids, because most of them haven’t lost a parent yet.
Well said!
What a trip. Gloria must have slept in for a week. Thanks for sharing he adventure, Jennie.
What a trip, indeed! She’s been smiling a lot. I’m glad you liked the adventure, John.
It was fun for sure.
🙂
😊
Hurray for Gloria’s return!! It’s wonderful that she got such a good reception from everyone she met.
Yes, a big hurray! It was wonderful. I think the cow costume will be loved for years to come. 🙂
I’d expect so, yes!
😀
Thanks for sharing the rest of this story, Jennie. I love the cow robe. I also love the idea of sending Gloria on the trip. She is such a great ambassador. This is how things should work between people.
I’m so glad you liked it, Dan. Yes, the cow robe!! She really is an ambassador. It’s definitely how things should work between people.
I can imagine how popular that cow outfit was, Jennie. How great that Gloria had so many wonderful adventures. I’m sure her journal made for great reading. Your class letters are priceless too. I still have mine. 😊
Yes, that cow outfit!! I never expected all her adventures. Really wonderful. Writing and decorating our giant thank you letters is very popular. You still have yours? My goodness, that makes my day! 🥰
What a wonderful post, Jennie. Such fun for the children.
Thanks so much, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Yes, so much fun for the children.
Very much so, Jennie
😀
The cow robe is fun! Also, it sounds like an adventure to read about Gloria’s adventures. In learning about other people in other places. And cows! 🌞
Yes on all counts, Dave! I’m glad you enjoyed Gloria’s story. Who knew she liked cows? 😀
Love the cow robe! So cute! I kind of have a thing for cows, lol. I’d have one for a pet if I could.
Oh, Jennie! This article and pics made my heart and soul burst with joy–and love! Do you know how much we miss Gloria? All of us, students and Finley included, will always remember how Gloria shared her heart with us! She left an impression on Missouri!
You’ve inspired me for many years now. I’m so happy we created this pen pal partnership! I’m thinking next year already, tee hee. The cow suit looks incredible! I’m so happy the kids love it, too! It was hard to share everything we did! I have your note and cards in my office and I see them daily! It helps lift my spirits always!
Ms, Jennie–you, the Aqua Roomers, and Gloria are amazing! Finn, Zeb, Heart, and I send huge hugs and love!!! Thank you for this amazing partnership and project! We will never forget it! 💗💚🤗❣️
Oh, Karla! Big smiles here, and a very full heart. Knowing I have inspired someone is a great gift. Thank you! I cannot begin to tell you how popular the cow suit is. Children wear it, snuggle with it, spread it out for all the baby dolls… on and on. This whole project has been far more wonderful than I ever imagined. So many lives have been touched – and it all started with Zeb, when you said he was lonely. Wow! I’m glad you’re thinking next year, too. 😍
Yay yay yay! My heart is overfilled! Zeb is camping today with my little granddaughter. Heart stayed back with Finn and me as I “recover” from all this stuff.
I’m so happy the kids are loving the cow suit! Our pen pal partnership is such a blessing and even bigger than I imagined it would be too! Many hugs and blessings, dear Jennie!🤗💗🙏🏼🦓❣️
I feel the same way! I’m glad you’re recovering, and hope it’s going well. The cow suit will be a well loved staple in the Aqua Room for years to come. Hugs and blessings to you, Karla! 😍
The cow robe is adorable, no doubts Gloria had a great time and now all the kids are enjoying her vacation. ❤
You hit the nail on the head, Debby! 😍
🙂 xx
Oh, Jennie! You have a huge lump going in my throat from reading this post! What an inspiration you are to the world at large, giving so much LOVE to every single child you teach. Just think that some of tomorrow’s leaders will have known a teacher as you for your influence in these children’s lives will be there all their lives. Thank you for the love and the care you pour into our children. God bless you!! xoxo ❤️
Beautiful and heartfelt words, Amy. Thank you! 🥰
Oh how lovely…what a beautiful story…xx
I’m so glad you enjoyed this. I’ll never forget the pictures of all the Missouri kids with Gloria (part 1), and now we got to say a BIG thank you. Today the children had a parade in the hallway with the big cow robe. Precious! Thank you, Carol!
It must have been just amazing you must have the best time and the children when moments like this all come together those children will have forever memories of their time with you, Jennie x
You are spot on, Carol. Thank you! Yes, we had the best time. These are the amazing moments children will remember. Me, too. It was a memory maker. I’m so glad I’m really 57. 😀
What a wonderful journey Gloria had. Seeing real cows must have been the best of all. Also all the great impressions she got with the kinds around her. Best wishes, Michael
You are absolutely right, Michael! Best to you.
Thanks, Jennie! xx Michael
You’re welcome!
Delighted to hear that Gloria has such a great time in Missouri – and that the children she met enjoyed the experience so much. Long after the children have forgotten all sorts of things – I’m guessing they’ll remember Gloria’s amazing homecoming, complete with cow costume:)).
Thanks so much, Sarah. She had a wonderful visit, the first in 30 years! I will never forget the faces of those Missouri children with Gloria. Wow! Yes, I think children will always remember her homecoming, especially with the cow costume. 😀
What a great adventure for Gloria, and lucky us to have you tell us about it, Jennie. Big hugs!
It really was a great adventure! Thanks so much, Teagan. Hugs!
How wonderful for the children to learn about Missouri through Gloria. I love the cow robe! 😆🐄
It really was, Carla. Many thanks! We love the cow robe, too!