Out walking my dog and eager to get our house and throw on my p.j.s (please don't interfere with my nightly routine) a young, fit runner came by with obligatory earbuds.
"Oh, Hi!," she gushed warmly, as she spun around. She shot me a smile that stopped me in my tracks. It was the smile of recognition but the sad thing was it was only on her end.
"Hi, who are you?" I blurted unfiltered.
Immediately, her smile grew broader and my tiny, little third grader, Mackenna came into full view for me. Except Mackenna was longer tiny, nor a third grader. She had the body of a gymnast and she was a beauty.
"Mackenna!" I exclaimed in recognition and hugged her.
"So good to see you," I quickly recovered.
And I meant it. She waved again, still smiling as she turned on her heel, and took off. I stood frozen, and in awe of the love and warmth she left her wake. I was conscious of how much this sweet girl had changed and grown. Memories of her that year flooded me in waves for a few seconds. For a brief moment I could easily picture sweet, capable MacKenna. She had been able to recognize me easily (even from behind) yet it taken me quite longer to remember her.
Love how the tone of this piece shifted so quickly as moments in our life can do if we allow it. I am a big fan of dialogue in these slices as I feel right there with you -- transported on the dog walk/meeting with your third-grader-now-woman student.
ReplyDeleteI love the exchange between you and Mackenna. Simple, but it's the way it happens. It's always easier for students to recognize the teacher. It shows how much she valued you.
ReplyDeleteI understand about that nightly routine! I had a similar exchange a couple of years ago. It wasn't until he twitched his nose until his name came to me. It is so much fun seeing former students as young people. Special moment for you and for her, I'm sure!
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