As you all know I am not out socializing or meeting new people very often, but today I had the chance to meet a very special person and her presence has stayed with me all day.
A few days after school let out for the summer, Trinity’s 5th grade teacher contacted everyone in the class and offered to hold a conference with each family prior to school starting in the Fall. What a great idea, I’m so in. She explained she wanted to know anything about your child you felt was important before school started. I immediately responded and scheduled my conference for today. Trinity has a few issues, and school isn’t easy for her, in addition I like the teachers to know about Tiara in case Trinity talks about her violence, medical issues or anything that may surprise the teacher. Our life sounds so crazy I like the teachers to know the stories Trinity tells are factual not just her imagination.
So the moment we met, I was greeted with a big hug and a big warm comforting smile from a very thin woman with glasses. She showed me to a table, offered me a drink, and asked me if I was comfortable. I felt like I was in a 5 star resort sitting with her not in the school library. She started our meeting with a beautiful prayer that instantly made my heart rate slow. To be honest, I am not always comfortable praying in public or with other people, but I felt so at ease in her presence I loved praying with her. I am very private about my relationship with God. I pray, attend church but you won’t hear me bless you or recite scripture.
She asked me to tell her a little bit about our family and an hour and ten minutes later we were still talking. I felt so at peace and calm in her presence I could have stayed there all day. She spoke about “putting our lives in hands of Mary” and it just resonated with me. I pray, but not enough. I so need to be more connected with my religion and most especially Mary, the mother of Jesus.
I kept thinking, “I can’t believe Trinity is going to spend every day learning from this remarkable woman. That is such a gift. I know in my heart, this teacher will have a lasting impression on Trinity for the rest of her life. I am so comforted by this, knowing Trinity will be learning in a loving and safe environment. And that is why I have felt at peace all day. Spending an hour with her was like going on a meditation retreat. Her love of God, Mary and everything Catholic was so contagious, I instantly felt inspired to deepen my faith, start praying more and be more present in my life with God.
Thank you Miss A for giving me the gift of peace for a day.
That you have found a day of piece and inspiration has made my day. Let that feeling stay with you always. Amen!
I wish every teacher would take the time to meet with families. It is so important! We are starting middle school this year and I am definitely worried about our twins getting lost in the shuffle.
Good Morning Tiff:)
I love all of your posts, but this one inspired me to write to you once again….
In addition to being a speech therapist, I am a life coach and spiritual counselor, so I really pay attention to anything that is soulful, real, and inspiring. The modern day teachings are very focused on presence, being IN the moment, feeling God’s grace in whatever our lives have to offer right now…..in this moment, no matter what may be going on.
I wanted to tell you today how rich in faith and “presence” you seem to be, on a daily basis! I know that we can ALL could make more time to pray and consciously be aware of God’s presence with us, and what a beautiful journey it is to be on- moving our hearts and minds closer to HIM. I see you and your beautiful spirit as a very pure example of this, in so many ways. To start with, how you perceive your life and it’s goings on…..you seem to see it as it really is, straight up, without the tendency that most of us have to label it good/bad, judge it, worry about it. For examply, when you talk about people staring at you guys (and in Orange County I’m sure it’s just lovely), you simply say things like “The nice lady who was staring at us”. Now, I’m sure there have been times when you weren’t so understanding, but truly Tiffani, you are extraordinary in the way you can just call it like it is, without negative thought or blame. On a daily basis.
I actually started to cry when reading your post about the creative way you placate Tiara when she is ready for her new crayons, even though it’s not a “new box of crayons day”. My daughter is home a lot due to summer break and we eat breakfast together. I was sharing your post and reading it aloud to her that day. Listening to how you pull the couch away from the wall, and hunt for crayons like they are treasures……well…..they are treasures, right? Sweet Tiara loves and adores them, and you were completely with her on that, in such a simple act. I like my kids to see life this way, simple really. We can complicate our lives just by the way we look at our experiences. But the most intelligent person can keep their heart and mind focused on the beauty in all the things, the joy in all circumstances, no matter what they are.
Dear Tiffani, your life is an example of this. You are only human, I know, and so are all of us who are listening to your daily love of life. We all have our crosses to bare, some physically and emotionally bigger than others. Thank you, again, for sharing your triumphs and losses. For it is in the way you choose HAPPINESS, daily, that you express more faith and hope than you may know. This is such an inspiration to us all, and the clearest expression of God you could share. Today, and many days, you have been a “Mrs. A” for me…….and so many others.
Here’s to you sister! Have a miracle day. xoxo
P.S. BIG HUGS TO YOU AND TRACY KRUEGER, I’m so technically challenged I couldn’t figure out how to write a message directly to Tracy- She have such a warm place in my heart, was so sweet to me when I was the new kid, back in 7th grade….would love to know more about you and your beautiful family.
I am not sure how to respond to your beautiful comment. It surprises me that sharing my story has affected you and others so deeply but it seems as if this is part of my mission in life. I am honored and grateful that I have been able to help and inspire others by just writing what’s in my heart. Thank you and I know I am going to have a great day because your words have lifted my spirit…xoxox
I am so glad your daughter has a teacher that is so special. It is hard to find these days. Teachers are run ragged and under paid in my opinion. To find one that actually “cares” about their students these days is a huge Blessing! KUDOS for that teacher!
What a blessing to have such a thoughtful teacher! I loved reading this post, and as a teach myself, I’ll be keeping what you’ve said here in mind as I work on the relationships with both my students and their parents.