It's a small world
Trisha, if you are reading this, this story is for you:
Late last night, when I was supposed to be re-reading the play Antigone in preparation for class today, I took a break and started reading some blogs. I began with Ben and Trisha's blog, then linked over to Cheryl Cash's blog; while there, I noticed her link to her sister Cherisse's blog. Cherise is a very dear Odessa friend of Trisha's, and I met her last summer at Trisha's house, so I decided to take a look.
On the latest entry was the name of my dear friend and colleague in my department. 16 years ago, Cherise was a freshman student in Dr. B.'s class; Cherise saved a journal she was required to keep for that class, and in particular, remembered a specific assignment that meant something to her then and that has come to mean even more to her in the present.
I forwarded the blog address to Dr. B., and visited with her about the entry this morning! Dr. B. has had a very hard year--illnesses, home robbery, etc., and of late, has felt very tired and burned out by over 30 years of teaching. Cherise's blog was a reminder to her that she has had an impact in people's lives over the years, even through something as simple as a journal assignment. She got teary-eyed while we visited about Cherise and her blog, about Cherise's roommate and fellow classmate Stephanie, whose funeral Dr. B. attended.
I'm telling all of this for a reason. First, it is a small world. There are so many invisible threads connecting all of us; one of the best things about eternity will be the opportunity for these connecting threads to finally become visible--for us to see how we all fit into each other's lives, even when we were unaware of the connections; for us to see that we were really never alone.
Secondly: for us to be reminded how our words, or our simple acts of kindness, or even a classroom assignment can live on long after the sound or the moment. I would like to think that your name, and maybe even mine, is spoken about with grace and with love in someone's home, or in someone's journal, or in someone's blog. That God's light shone from us, even in the midst of our confusion and struggles and fears, and that He used us, even when we got in His way.
So Trisha, please tell your friend Cherisse that she made Dr. B.'s day today, and that her name was spoken with grace and with love in the American Heritage Building, Room 106-C.
Blessings,
Jana
posted by Jana @ 10:44 PM
7 comments
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7 Comments:
Ok, I haven't heard from Trisha, but Dr. B. read my blog and pretended to faint and choke when she saw that I had actually used the (not-a) word "secondly."
I admit it. My students use this awful transition so much when they write that it has crept into my own writing.
My apologies to all of you everywhere! :-)
Jana
I'm so sorry I didn't read your post until tonight! I have hardly touched my computer this week--too much sickness and a new nephew (Malachi--Randy & Anda's #6) have kept me away. Even now I am making the lovely sounds of someone breathing only through her mouth.
What a wonderful connection! I'm so glad Dr. B was blessed. I will pass that on to Cherise. She'll be thrilled. I have no doubt that you are making a profound impact on the lives of students as well. First, because I know the impact you have made on my life. Secondly, :) because you are thoughtful and caring and your students certainly feel that from you.
In truth, I have been thinking about you a lot this week. We are planning a tea party at church and I have had flashbacks to lots of fun moments of preparing for our tea party at Glenwood. And each time I go back to those days, I miss you a lot. What a gift those years of friendship together in the same place were!
I am proud of the ways you bless your students, friend. And so very thankful for the threads that keep connecting us.
Firstly, I loved the blog Jana.
Secondly, the word morph pales in comparison to some words that I've heard Rob make up --sorry buddy!
Here's a toast to great teachers who have blessed us more than they'll ever know! bw
Oh, Trisha! I'm SO sorry you guys are sick--we're experiencing round #2 of this awful stuff, which we're now referring to as "the phlegm-a-thon"! Yuck. I feel for you--there's nothing worse than feeling really lousy and being the mom--no rest for the weary, right? Hang in there; I hope complete healing comes quickly!
Congratulations on your new nephew! Wow. I get tired just thinking about it. But also: what a joy! What a blessed child to be born into that family; he will be loved, cherished, and returned into the hands of Jesus. (Just like the children born into your family!)
Please do tell Cherise, and apologize to her for the fact that I changed the spelling of her name every time I referred to it. Dr. B. tried to post on her blog today, but wasn't successful, so she emailed me this afternoon and asked me to give her "blogging lessons" after class tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll be able to get her post to go through.
Thanks for all the encouragement! You know, I just loved my teachers, really from the very beginning of school. I don't think I will have that kind of impact on most of my students, but I think I will for a few. God likes to use His cracked pots in interesting ways, and every once in a while, I can see the fruit of His work. I'm thankful for that.
A tea party! How fun! The single thing that I remember most about the tea party at Glenwood was when we were standing in the workroom, looking at STACKS of wallpaper books, and you had the great idea to turn each page into a unique and distinctive placemat. I thought that was such a great idea, and they turned out looking marvelous!
Actually, that's not the only thing I remember, but the placemats made a real impression on me for some reason. And wasn't it fun finding all the cups and saucers? I loved it!
I miss you, too, dearest friend. In some ways, I feel sort of stuck in my Glenwood memories. That season of my life changed me in very significant ways, and my friendship with you has been/is one of my greatest life blessings. I have not experienced that here (which I why I said I feel stuck), and I always wonder if I will ever experience a season or a friendship like that ever again. I know that God can do anything.
Thanks for reminding me of a happy time, and I hope your tea party is a success in every way. With you on the planning end of things, it will be perfect.
I hope we can see you soon. I saw the sun today, and new growth in some plants, which means that spring is near, and summer is not far behind. We're heading to Odessa . . . ! :-)
Love you!
Jana
Oops! Ben snuck a comment in while I was typing!
Firstly, you are hilarious.
Secondly, Rob makes up some crazy words. However, he still is in love with the word "pejorative." We've got to find a new word for him. Any suggestions?
Thirdly, you're a pretty great teacher yourself. So poetic in your speaking, so passionate in your convictions, so generous with your time and energy. You, my friend, have made a difference in more lives than you will ever know. You certainly made a difference in mine. (And you KNOW you can make me cry faster than anyone I know!:-))
We love you guys!
Jana
Ben,
Just remember, I am a communicator, not a word smith. As long as you understand what I am trying to say...
Hey, Jana! This is Cherise.
Firstly :-) Thank you so much for passing on this blog to Dr. B. Please tell her "Hello" for me. She was such a wonderful influence on me while I was at LCU. You have blessed me by passing on this blessing.
Secondly :-) I have enjoyed reading your banter back and forth with Ben. I needed a good laugh today. You have blessed me twice!
Grace and Peace,
Cherise
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