Today I unexpectedly received the best Christmas present I could ask for. I had just finished up the first semester by giving a final exam and had then had lunch with an old and dear friend. Then I went to do a little last-minute shopping. I was standing in Hobby Lobby looking at Styrofoam. (Don’t ask.) I heard the young lady behind me say something to no one in particular about an item she was looking at, and I responded by saying, “I can’t believe they want $6 for four little pieces of Styrofoam.” The girl turned around and said “Mrs. Canup?” I looked at her and felt no recognition whatsoever. This is an occupational hazard of being a teacher. I often run into former students, and they have a much easier time recognizing me than I have recognizing them. This is partly because I have not changed as dramatically as they have. (Except for the silver hair!) And it’s partly because, after 22 years of teaching, I have many more students to remember than they have former teachers. I looked askance at the young lady, and she said, “You are Mrs. Canup, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but I’m afraid I don’t know who you are.” I always feel bad when I say that.
“It’s me, Catherine Haymore.”
I immediately remembered the name, as I almost always do, and gave her a warm smile and a hug. She seemed delighted to see me. She went on to tell me that I wouldn’t believe how many times she has spoken of me over the years, that I had changed her life, and that she had just told a girl who was struggling in school about me this past week. Wow. I was racking my brain trying to figure out how long ago it had been that a much younger Catherine had been in my class. She finally told me she is now 28 years old. I figure I taught her when she was in the fifth grade – about 18 years ago.
I don’t guess there is anything that teachers want more than to know that they have had a positive impact on the lives of their students. Believe me, we don’t always know that. It blessed my heart more than Catherine can imagine to hear those words of appreciation after all these years. Then she told me some sad news.
It seems she and her young husband just found out that he has cancer, and it could be very serious. They are awaiting test results now. I promised to pray for them and gave her my email address so she could let me know what happens. She gave me hers as well. I left the store feeling sad and apprehensive for Catherine and her husband; yet, at the same time, I experienced a warm glow sparked by her kind words. I pray that a sweet young wife will get welcome news in the next few days, and that she and her husband will have a very special Christmas.
No comments:
Post a Comment