How Mrs. H Changed My Life For The Better In My Darkest Days, My 4th Grade Teacher
Prompt #1 “A Thank You Note to a Teacher”
I’m sharing a story encouraged by Trista Signe Ainsworth, a publisher who has invited writers to share a note to a teacher who has touched our hearts and submit it to her publication Thank You Notes.
“Divorce shreds the muscles of our hearts so that they will hardly beat without a struggle.” – E. Lockhart
My Story
My parents got a divorce when I was only in the third grade. We went from having so much, including a father, to barely having enough. The third grade was a blur!
I remember all of the luxuries we had before my father left. We had a nice home, swimming pool, ice rink, trampoline, dune buggies, and a stay-at-home mom. Oh and our swing set! It was my castle!
The dune buggies were a blast! I recently wrote a Haiku about our swing set. This poem has brought much healing.
Swing Set
Wish I could have swung Forever, Summer Swing Set But HE had to go!
After HE — my dad — left, we lived in a trailer with very little. Our life as we knew it was forever changed.
About Mrs. H
I remember starting school the next year after feeling like the world was caving in. And there she was — Mrs. H. She was beautiful on both the inside and out. Her glow lit up the room every day of my fourth-grade experience.
I mean every day! I received an award at the end of that year for perfect attendance. Well, I wasn’t the only one. Another boy also received the same award. I still remember his name because I had such a crush on him!
Shhh, let’s get back to Mrs. H!
She was my hero in the darkest of times. She didn’t just make learning fun; she was like my angel lighting my new path.
I am grateful for her warm, kind, gentle, and loving spirit. Her influence upon my life came at the perfect time. Her ways have forever been tied to my heartstrings.
About Our Classroom
As I said, I received an award for having perfect attendance with my classmate. (We will call him by his first initial, B.) I don’t remember whom else was in our class that year. All I do remember is that it was a loving and positive environment.
The love in our classroom daily was my new home sweet home. I’m forever grateful for the extra love that filled me during the school year.
Mrs. H went above and beyond in her class to make others feel at home and not just in a classroom. This takes a special personality. Her gentle spirit still encourages me throughout my lifetime.
About A Positive Influence
I think about this experience often. I believe she taught me more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic!
Through her outpouring of unconditional love, she taught me that our circle of influence is anyone we come in contact with. You never know whose life you might change with your love.
Love is a true gift. Every morning we wake up with this gift.
“We can either choose to unwrap the gift of love each morning and do nothing with it or regift it! I will choose to regift it! Who said regifting is wrong?” – Kris Bedenian
Thank you, Trista Signe Ainsworth, for this memory-producing prompt.