Eleven years ago

I am excited to begin my 4th March Writing challenge at Two Writing Teachers! Thank you for all the wonderful people who work diligently to make this challenge happen every year. My life has changed so much since my first post four years ago. I am excited to see what changes this year's challenge will bring.

Eleven years ago my first students at my new school were graduating. I had survived my first year in a new school! I had met some amazing colleagues and determined students. A. came almost daily to my room to work on his independent writing project. He was writing the story of his family. It was a story of survival. It was a story of unbelievable survival.

A. and his family had come from a war torn country to America. Survival, broken families, death, violence, hope, crime, new beginning, adjustment, struggle, perseverance, determination are just a few words that would have applied to A.

Eleven years ago A. graduated. It was a joyous moment, but also a bittersweet as it meant saying goodbye to A. As A's sister still attended my school I was able to see A.occasionally for a few more years.

This past week I saw a police officer in our school office. My first reaction was, what has happened? Who is is trouble? I was really too busy to think much more deeper about the officer's presence at our school. I did, however, have to go talk to someone at the office. 

The officer was still there. He kept smiling at me. That was strange. As I started to walk away, I heard, "Ms. Terhune!"

That voice. I knew that voice. I turned and looked a bit more carefully. It was A! He was the police officer in the office! I had not seen A. in many years. I was so excited. Seeing him and the big hug that he gave me definitely made my day (let's be honest, it really made my week).

Unexpected encounters that bring surprise blessings with them!