TATIANA

So I'm out shopping last night, browsing for anything else I might need for our Jamaica trip - actually, avoiding going home after another fight with Jim earlier that day. I'm browsing in the discounted clothes racks at T.J. Max when I hear the voice of a young woman talking to her mother. There is something familiar about the voice and so I look in her direction. She is animated and they are laughing together. She is a young Hispanic woman, I'm guessing around 15 years old. She smiles broadly at her mother and it hits me - I remember her from 3rd grade, when I took a long term substitute position as a music teacher at an elementary school. It all came flooding back - those kids, many of whom came from very bad home situations, a high percentage of minorities, mostly African American and Hispanic kids. Some could barely speak English. I had never taught music in my life. My husband (who holds a Ph.D. in music theory) had to teach me the fundamentals of violin so that I could teach these kids. Mostly, I was responsible for traveling from classroom to classroom, teaching general music and chorus, which culminated in a large spring concert at the end of the school year. I taught them what I knew -- Broadway show tunes. They learned a pretty sophisticated medley of tunes from the musical Peter Pan. And they learned discipline, and how to work together to create magic. Tatiana was a very shy girl, one of the ones who could barely speak English. She struggled with the violin but stayed with it - and she beamed the night of the concert after the chorus - so many, many kids up there! - finished their performance. They closed with "I'm A Believer" and did break dancing across the stage, one kid tumbling after another. The crowd went wild. Ah, it all came flooding back and I approached Tatiana and her mother in T.J. Max and said, "I remember you. I taught you music for a half of a year at North Windham Middle School." She looked at me like I had just landed from outer space. I said, "I'm Mrs. Boyd - remember?" Of course, I had totally forgotten that I weighed close to 400 pounds at that time. Her jaw dropped and those big gorgeous brown eyes opened so wide I thought they might burst out of her head. All she could muster as she scanned my body up and down was, "Oh, my God!" In perfect English. We talked for a few minutes. And Tatiana, who is now in 10th grade, told me she was going to the Performing Arts Magnet School and that she wanted to pursue music in college. She hopes to become a professional singer. Then she said something that I will never, ever forget. "I still sing those songs from Peter Pan. I've never stopped singing them." I smiled and said, "I'm so glad. And you've grown up into a beautiful young lady, Tatiana." With that, we said our goodbyes and I headed home. Not so mad at my husband any more. Have a really super day, my dear, dear, friends. Love, M.

Wow! You really MUST stop these posts that make me teary! What a sweet and wonderful story. Hugs, Mo

AHHHH REENIE! You just expereinced the single reason I stay in teaching! The random "bump". When you see someone you taught and they tell you how it is going good, bad or otherwise! Love those bumps! I had one the other day too. My favorite one was at the swimming pool last summer I was laying on a beach chair in my 2 piece suit and had a former student come up to me and ask if I was Mrs.Adams? Then he said man you got skinny! LOL Then we were both embarrassed LOL! The random bump is a PERK of teaching! enjoy the glow! Nic

I can never read enough of your postings.

GReat Story!! Keep smiling you deserve all of them!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

Oh you get me all teary eyed too 'sniff' that is so awesome though! To think she pursued music most likely due to you! Once they get that initial taste, and I'm sure you were a fabulous teacher, she was set to go make her mark in music. Thats really cool. I hope she goes far with it. That has to feel awesome Maureen. ANd yeah after something that nice its hard to be in a bad mood. Opens your eyes up to the world. Gets our minds off the petty things big hugs to you! Your not just an inspiration to those kids but to all of us as well we love ya Maureen! Elizabeth M