Kids Turning 40!

[azskyman]

A fun little personal twist came by way of an email to me last night.

Back in the late sixties to late seventies (including some of my volunteer time in Vietnam), I was a school teacher. That was another life in a galaxy far far away.

Anyway, last night I recieved an email message from one of my former sixth grade students (1976-77 school year) who reminded me that she and five of her classmates were about to turn 40 this year (actually some of my very first students will be turning 50 NEXT year!).

And then the fun part of the message....

"The six of us will be spending a girl's weekend in Phoenix this summer, and we'd love to see you and chat about old times if you get a chance! Are you available?"

I've tried to stay in touch and encourage a number of former students over the years...and so it was a nice surprise to get the invitation!

I'm looking forward to some laughs and hugs from this crew. I think they are all moms...a lawyer, a scientist, a nurse, among them.

Anyway....my wife remembers some of them too so I'll bring her along so she can take a photo of me and the six young'ens!!!

Should be fun.

The internet may have a very dark side...but without it, fun things like this just wouldn't happen. Neither would S2k.

Poppysky

[Miss Mary]

Steve - well your life is just never dull is it? LOL

Seriously that is so neat you've kept in contact with them. And I suspect you are one of those teachers, students remember for years to come.

So yes you need to get together with them!!! And remember you look young for your age - or least you are a young AARP member.

Speaking of which my AARP card info came the other day and I just flung it across the kitchen counter, disgusted. I didn't pitch it though, when I feel like it, I may read it and apply. Yikes, an AARP card!!! LOL

Well, you get together with these women and take pics. And take Kathy, by all means!!! Steve and his women....he he.

mary

[weathermom]

That sounds wonderful. I often think about some of the teachers I had growing up and wish I had the opportunity to thank some of them for what they did for me. I moved away from where I went to school and have no idea what happened to the teachers I had. Enjoy your visit!!

[azskyman]

Weathermom...I TOO, think of some teachers I had. I made sure as I grew older that I thanked those who had a good impact on me. Most are gone now as I find myself in the AARP mode!

During my years teaching, the class would take a couple hours out each year for me to make an old 8mm movie of them. We used slow motion and fast speed photography to make it more comical than anything. A few years back, one of my former students asked for the copy to make a CD and show at a class reunion. I guess it was a big success.

Mary....the AARP membership pays for itself over and over. Just got a 40% discount on some new shoes recently! Never mind that I will surely not retire until I am at least 65 if my health and mind hold up!

Like father, like son. My dad worked until he was 80...turned 90 this year, and is looking for a job. Problem is...no one allows naps during the shift.

Steve

[mf_dolphin]

A couple of years ago I had kind of a reverse experience with a former teacher. For some reason I was thinking about my high school French teacher. He wasn't a whole lot older than his class but he was so excited about teaching! His enthusiasm for life and dedication made a huge impact on my life. Anyway, I decided to try and find him to reestablish contact and to just say thanks. . After several weeks I found out he had left teaching a couple of years earlier but did track down a phone number. About the 4th or 5th call I finally got a hold of him. After some small talk and general catching up I told him what an influence he had on my life. Believe or not he broke down and cried. He went on to tell me that he became so frustrated with the changes in the school system that we left teaching. We've kept in touch since then and I was happy to find out that he's now returned to teaching. I hope his students realize what a gem they have.

[azskyman]

Marshall, that's a terrific story! And good for you to go out of your way to be sure he knew just how much of an impact he had on your life! Teachers...especially the good ones...have been underappreciated for years.

I stay in touch with a former college professor at Northern Illinois University. He's getting up there in years, but every couple months I drop him an email. We did not become good friends because of our shared passion for weather. I remind him today of how much I appreciated that passion. I'm sure others do to.

Doesn't always have to be teachers who we remind about their impact. Sometimes bosses, close friends, doctors, and others need to hear it from us.

Thanks Marshall for reminding us of the importance of OUR initiative in saying thanks.

[Pburgh]

Karan hides her head in shame.

Although I haven't kept in touch with some really memorable people in my life. In the past I made sure that they knew how much they influenced my life and my values and how much I appreciated them. phew

Poppysky, get that ballbat out from under the bed and let Kathy take it with her. I think she'll be using it on some of those avid admirers of yours. Teachers really don't get the praise, respect or money that they deserve.

Marshall, I teared up just reading your post.

[mf_dolphin]

To this day I can't explain why I was so compelled to track him down. It was almost an obsession. As a person of faith the only explaination is that God knew I needed to make that call....

Poppysky, sorry for the thread hijack of sorts but it's obvious that you touched these girls lives. I really hope you and your wife make the trip. Sounds like a blast to me!

[azskyman]

When I was in Vietnam, one of my former students had made a flower out of construction paper. On each petal were a two month calendar. And each day counted down from the beginning so I knew exactly how many days I had left in country.

I put that on the wall in my room and every day that went by I would cross off a day and check to see how many I had left.

I've lost track of that student, but that was a really big deal for me back then. I have a great picture of me next to it and crossing off one of the days!

Marshall...you didn't hijack the thread. It just morphed a little.

My wife and I will enjoy the company of the six "kids." They still remember the contest we had to guess the weight of our first baby! (10 lbs, 8 oz, by the way)

Maybe I'll find this thread again and you could post a photo of the event!