Teachers

Is there one teacher that you've had that really stands out in your
mind? Your absolute favorite teacher that taught you more than just
English, Math, Science, and History? For me, it's my sixth grade teacher,
Mrs. Vanmoerkerque. We called her Mrs. Lee. She was the teacher that
everyone dreaded until they had her and realized what she was really all
about. She tried to make us all better people and helped us stand up for
others and ourselves. I lived in England and went to school on an air
force base when I was 9-12 years old. Sixth grade was my last year there.
After that, I did not have contact with Mrs. Lee, which was
heartbreaking. She once invited my brother and I over to her house to play games.
It was then that she admitted that she tried to never have a "teachers
pet" but she said that I was by far her favorite. That made me feel
significant. She gave me a pair of earrings that her father had given
her. Amethyst stones. I still have them.
I have tried to find her since
high school, but to no avail. My mom and I would talk about how awesome
it would be to find her and invite her to my wedding, when that time
came. So when I got engaged, and was planning my wedding, I was sad that I
hadn't found her. So one day I, again, googled her last name and saw
Alex...was that her son's name? I wasn't sure! So I called my brother
and he said that was one of her boy's names. He had a myspace page, so I
went and looked. Without a doubt it had to be her son! He looked so
much like her! So I sent him a message, and sure enough it was! He gave me
her address and I sent her an invitation. I was so excited! A few days
later I get a call on my cell phone and a woman says, "Danielle, how
are you, dear? I knew it was you when I saw your eyes in the picture."
She had received my invitation. I had included a letter I wrote to thank
her for the extra time she spent and the boost of confidence she gave
me. She told me that no one had ever said anything that nice before.
She had looked up Rob's parents names from the wedding invitation, and
after a pleasant conversation with Rob's mom, got my cell phone number.
So now I am in contact with her again and it really makes me happy. I
have two cousins and an aunt that are also teachers. I am positive that
they are also these kinds of teachers. The ones that try really hard to
get through to their students and really make a huge, lasting impact in
their lives, without even knowing it.