Im gonna say it...He was one of my favorites!!!

One of the sweet parts of being a teacher is seeing how students "turn out".

Its an phenomenon that Ive written about before, the unique relationships of student and teacher, especially in the community of a small private school. Often, the relationships last longer than just high school due to the fact that its tied to the church and parents remain at the church after their students graduate...the kids come home.

What i always think is difficult about teaching is how you go from seeing these people (your students) every day for months and weeks on end and then they leave...the graduate! Its the nature of being a teacher and I think one could prevent the sadness by never getting involved, but what fun is that???As an educator, you know what you are getting into, but there is a poignancy that comes with always saying goodbye to them. The special ones come back and keep up with you. Case in point Brad's wedding. what was sweet about that was the fact that I hadnt seen some of them in 15-17 years and it was still that sweet familiarity. If you are a teacher, you know exactly what i am talking about.

All that to say that when J suggested to her son and former graduate G that he join us for lunch and he accepted, I was quite honored. Seriously, what college sophomore wants to have dinner with a former teacher?? After J and I got our pedicures we met up with him at Bahama Breeze. What made me smile over our dinner were two things...

1. He is so quintessentially the same as when he graduated...meaning that his he is still true to his personality and character. I loved seeing that even though time passed, his personality traits were the same. Interesting to note too was the sort of settling that he has right now. I loved seeing a certain peace that was apparent now.

2. That he wants to become a high school teacher! I love it! Part of me giggles because I think about how as a student he could be a challenge (his mother once sent me a bejeweled hot pink wooden spoon that said, "If my son does give you Sass, please feel free to smack his......") and I know that it will equip him well to deal with high schoolers.

(pictures used by all participant's approval)