A Teacher's Reflections

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