Thursday, May 23, 2019

Is that who I think it is?


When I placed my order, I recognized her voice, her smile, her dancing eyes. 

But recently a clerk returned my I.D. and said, "Here you go Ms. Linda."
Thrilled, I asked, "Were you one of my students?"  She looked at me like I was crazy.
So I hesitated to ask another person.

As I stood in line waiting for my order, I kept staring at her, and she at me. I walked to a table and asked her coworker what this young woman's name was because her name tag was turned around. When her coworker told me, I walked right back up to the counter. "Come give me a hug!" I said and we embraced as though all the years had never passed. "Ms. Linda! I thought that was you!"  She snuggled like the little girl she used to be.
Her dad, a journalist and activist, who had a positive impact in our town, recently passed away. I had taught all of Shaqaunda's siblings. I hoped to attend her dad's memorial, but had to attend a grandchild's event that afternoon. I felt terrible missing her dad's service.

 Was it a coincidence I was in the right place at the right time? Hmmm. I was able to express my condolences in person. I caught up on what she and all of her siblings were doing. I asked her to express my sympathy to her mom. Serendipity.

7 comments:

Pat Wahler said...

So sweet! Teachers definitely remain in the memory of their students forever.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Synchronicity abounds! I'm happy you had the opportunity to see and speak toher. I've no doubt it meant the world to both of you.

DUTA said...

Encounters like that are always heartwarming.
Both of you - looking good in the picture!

Val said...

Not a coincidence! You could have had any employee wait on you, but you got the person you had a connection with.

Connie said...

Aw, so wonderful that you could connect again with her.

Susan said...

Hi Linda...It's always thrilling to see little people we have known, now grown up and doing well. I'm sure you have touched hundreds of little lives throughout the years of being a pre-school teacher. Your good work will live on and on and on. Susan

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.