It was the middle of December. I boarded the flight as soon as I could (to be sure I had room to stash my bag in the carry-on space). My daughter and Jack waited. There's nothing easy about sitting on a plane with an almost two-year-old as everyone boards the plane.
Even though I boarded early, I stood in my row waiting for my daughter and grandson to board before sitting down for our 5+ hour flight. And because I was standing up, I was recognized.
"You were my sixth grade teacher," was the excited comment I heard from a few rows in front of me.
And there was one of my former students, Kylie, headed home for her Christmas break. I was lucky enough to also teach her sibling, Jillian. The sisters are both in college. How is it possible that "my sixth graders" are now college students? Some are even college graduates and my last two groups are juniors and seniors.
I enjoyed chatting with Kylie a bit on the plane as I walked Jack up and down the aisle. I'm used to encountering former students in our small town, but encountering one on a plane in Washington DC? That was a special seasonal gift!
That is way cool. What a moment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool moment! Clearly you made a positive and significant impact. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI like meetings like that. Great moment.
ReplyDeleteHow neat! My last class of sixth graders are seniors this year. I can't believe that.
ReplyDeleteEncounters like this make us realize how small our world is at times.
ReplyDeleteI've run in to students and even former collegues in weird places as well. Great to see them tho.
ReplyDeleteLovely slice.
I love how you ended this piece - a special seasonal gift...it was a gift catching up in a place you wouldn't have expected. Have you ever read a book - called God Winks? Not as religious as it sounds, just shares the idea that maybe things are sent your way at a special time if we look.
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