On March 12th I posted an entry called Teachers. I made updates to add a picture of my daughter’s teacher, Ms. K.
Thank-you for stopping by to read my entry, whether this is your first view or a return visit!
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Last week was a thoughtful week. Sometimes there are unexpected and pleasant surprises.
We received an e-mail message from our daughter’s former middle school teacher. She was nominated by her school to be teacher of the year. What an honor! We were thrilled to hear this! 
I thought about the impact this very wonderful teacher has had on all our lives. My daughter showed a lot of progress in middle school. When Mija finished middle school we knew we were really going to miss Ms. K.
Mija is now in high school. For those of you who are not familiar, I wrote two posts about my special needs daughter that would set the context for this post: Peaceful and My Special Girl, the Pure of Heart.
When my husband runs errands without her people often ask, “Where is she? How is she? We miss seeing her…”
Those statements amaze me. In society special needs people are mostly a silent group with little influence. This is a shame but also a reality. On a one-on-one level this is not so. By simply being who she is my daughter has touched others.
Ms. K asked us to attend the awards ceremony. She recognized it would be too much stimulation for our daughter, but said Mija would be there in spirit. She invited us because Mija helped her “learn more about how to be a teacher and how to love.”
Ms. K’s statement was very humbling. Every day my daughter teaches me about myself. I had no idea of the impact she made on Ms. K.
We are all connected. It is true that our actions, be they good or bad are like a pebble dropped in a pond. The effects of what we do will ripple out and be felt and seen even after we walk away from the pond.
Ms. K, I am proud and honored that you were my daughter’s teacher.
With you and with your aides my daughter ate her first Thanksgiving meal. She began to lose her fears of the world. You allowed her to take breaks when she needed them while also being firm in letting her know that certain behaviors are not acceptable.
I am deeply humbled that our daughter also touched you and had an influence in your life. She and I were at home when Al went to see you at the awards ceremony. I told her about your award. She may not have fully understood but I wanted her to know that we should celebrate your accomplishments.
My daughter. My teacher…
To Mr. K and all educators who work with special needs children, thank-you. In partnership with you our children can make a difference in the lives of others.
Congratulations, Ms. K!
I've always enjoyed writing and finally decided it was time to blog! As part of my profession I write every day, but I'm now trying to take the time to write creatively. My family and friends have been very encouraging as there is little that is written down in the way of a family chronicle. This is a favorite topic of mine! In addition to family history, I write about life, family, friends and faith. My husband is a full-time parent to our special needs daughter. I’ve explored this topic, too. I also enjoy music, crocheting, reading and relaxing with my family. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer!
Comments from Cathy 
Congratulations to Mrs. K. I think the signs on the bulletin board are wonderful.
Thank-you, Northern Narratives. Her bulletin boards do catch the eye!
That is a really nice story, how fabulous to know that your daughter has had a lasting effect on her teacher and others. Inspiring.
Hello, gingerbreadcafe. It touches me very deeply to know my daughter has had this impact on someone. Thank-you for stopping by my blog. 🙂
My best teaching experiences were teaching special needs students. The satisfaction of teaching a child who wants to learn and needs help is a reward in itself but when the light comes on it is a celebration. It is the only teaching I really, really enjoyed.
Thank-you ljr3, for your lovely comment, and for your work as an educator. It is a celebration when the light comes on!
What a wonderful and life affirming teacher. … and a wonderful and life-affirming daughter, too. Thank you for sharing this. You lifted my heart today.
Thanks, Kate for your lovely reply. I’m so glad that you apprecaited it. 🙂
An uplifting story Cathy. Thank you and what a blessing your daughter and her teacher(s) are to this world. 🙂
Thank-you, Sunshine! It is a blessing!…and we might not have realized it if my daughter’s teacher hadn’t expressed it! Thank-you for stopping by my blog!
Dear Kathy and Mija, I am moved to tears and can not express with words what to say after reading your blog. You have given me the greatest award possible with your words of praise. Thank you so much and God Bless. Ms. K
Ms. K you are so welcome! What a lovely comment. Writing “Teachers” brought back some good memories, and made us realize how far Mija had come while she was in middle school. I’m sure your other students have their stories as well. It was my pleasure to write this. Thank-you for being part of our lives. God bless you. – Cathy
I remember feeding her that Thanksgiving Meal and we were both crying. I miss my little girl, all the good and all the not so good made me a much better teacher. She will always be my favorite student
Tracey! I remember being thrilled that she shared that meal with you! I took a picture the two of you. Yes, there were ups and downs. I’m sure you have other favorites…but I know the relationship was special. 🙂
Excellent tribute! …. and thanks for visiting my little niche in the world.
Hi Frank! Thanks for your comment and for stopping by my site!
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