A beautiful ode on an inspired and inspiring teacher. It is not surprising you remember her so fondly. It is all in these words, I think "I was a tense, anxious, socially awkward introvert but this young woman was unpackaging us. She noticed me. She noticed all of us." At that age it is so wonderful to be seen. Beautiful writing Ron.
“Music speaks where words fail.”.. I don’t know where the quote originated, but it’s so true. You gleaned the sparkle of a young teacher, who saw, and heard you, when you had no idea you had a presence, a voice. What a gift! Beautiful story, Ron! I can see how it stayed with you!
Been writing stuff for submission. Haven't received any rejections yet! (Haven't submitted anything either.) Thanks for asking. Something is bound to appear soon.
The world needs more stories like this. Mine was a math teacher. Fifth and sixth grade. MISS Liebenberg, she always insisted on that specific address. Strict, no nonsense, but finding connection with each one in her class. The kind of teacher I want to be one day.
Everything was music. I'm her only piano student that failed. Poor woman couldn't keep me on the bench. There were trees to climb and creeks to navigate for waterdogs. And turtles. My lesson was last, she was worn out, and like a beleaguered country under assault, she gave in. It wasn't a total wash. I can still play scales.
Aww Joan, she sounds like a real trooper. There's the problem with windows; there's something going on out there! Your notes are words, my friend and scales the creekbeds.
What a blessing to have encountered a caring teacher and at an age where her " seeing you" could have such an impact. Your description of the evolution of the class and the lessons you carried from it into adulthood is full of love and gratitude. It is remarkable telling of a turning point in a young person's life and the role your teacher played in it.
Ron, this is a beautiful story, and Ms. B sounds like a wonderful teacher. In a class like chorus, where so many can feel insecure, she made it a positive experience. A teacher like this is one in a million.
A beautiful ode on an inspired and inspiring teacher. It is not surprising you remember her so fondly. It is all in these words, I think "I was a tense, anxious, socially awkward introvert but this young woman was unpackaging us. She noticed me. She noticed all of us." At that age it is so wonderful to be seen. Beautiful writing Ron.
Am a big fan of teachers and she affected me in a big way! Thanks so much, Sharron.
“Music speaks where words fail.”.. I don’t know where the quote originated, but it’s so true. You gleaned the sparkle of a young teacher, who saw, and heard you, when you had no idea you had a presence, a voice. What a gift! Beautiful story, Ron! I can see how it stayed with you!
Oh it surely does, Sharon! That ability connected big time and helped the lot of us! Thanks so much for reading and your kind comments!
"It spoke things to deep places, places we would need help in, guidance for days yet unwalked..."
I loved that line--and the whole piece. Such a positive testimony, Ron. Love the longer form.
Thanks so kindly, Jim. Very glad you enjoyed. Been missing your work—anything brewing?
Been writing stuff for submission. Haven't received any rejections yet! (Haven't submitted anything either.) Thanks for asking. Something is bound to appear soon.
I really did enjoy this piece, Ron.
Very cool! You put such thought and characters into your pieces. Hope you land where you want, Jim.
The world needs more stories like this. Mine was a math teacher. Fifth and sixth grade. MISS Liebenberg, she always insisted on that specific address. Strict, no nonsense, but finding connection with each one in her class. The kind of teacher I want to be one day.
Thanks Jenny. Teachers build us so much; especially the hard ones. Your stories are surely teaching!
Bravo! My mother was a music teacher cut from the same cloth. Teaching and music were her life.
How cool is that! It's a mysterious art that moves us! I feel I know her a bit from your writing. Thanks so much, Joan!
Everything was music. I'm her only piano student that failed. Poor woman couldn't keep me on the bench. There were trees to climb and creeks to navigate for waterdogs. And turtles. My lesson was last, she was worn out, and like a beleaguered country under assault, she gave in. It wasn't a total wash. I can still play scales.
Aww Joan, she sounds like a real trooper. There's the problem with windows; there's something going on out there! Your notes are words, my friend and scales the creekbeds.
Beautifully written!
Thank you kindly, Jessamyn!
What a blessing to have encountered a caring teacher and at an age where her " seeing you" could have such an impact. Your description of the evolution of the class and the lessons you carried from it into adulthood is full of love and gratitude. It is remarkable telling of a turning point in a young person's life and the role your teacher played in it.
K.C.; appreciate the kind words! Ms. B. was a sure force and lifter of our songs.
Ron, this is a beautiful story, and Ms. B sounds like a wonderful teacher. In a class like chorus, where so many can feel insecure, she made it a positive experience. A teacher like this is one in a million.
She surely was; everyone should experience a teacher like her! So glad you enjoyed and thanks for your kind comments, Beth.
What descriptive, fun, uplifting memories you have captured here. Reading this was a great way to start my day! Thanks!
That makes me happy, Debi! So glad you liked and thanks for signing up too!
Very nicely written. She did a great job teaching. You have a nice voice. One I enjoy listening to. I wish I had been taught how to sing.
❤️❤️ That makes me happy! You have a beautiful voice I love to hear. . .🎶🎵
What a thread Ron! People are what they pass on. Tunes for a lifetime. Marvellous.
Thank you so much, Philip! Yes, songs frequently are our floating devices in this life!
Thank you Ron. I have just read of Mrs B again. Good education!