Miss George appears first in our lives in 1982 and in my memoir, A Long Awakening to Grace, on page 93. She accompanies us on our journey for a year and through page 95.
She was the best teacher my son ever had. And that is significant because in all the schools he attended, most of the teacher’s only expressed frustration or worse with him. School was traumatic for Doug and for our family.
These excerpts from my memoir will give you a sense of Miss George’s quality as a human being and a teacher.
“…when it came time for my first parent-teacher conference, I braced myself. I suffered pounding tension headaches every time I entered a school building, even if just to watch one of my children perform in a program.”
When I called Kettering City Schools three years ago to find her, I was told that I was not the only parent who had called looking for her. Miss George was an outstanding teacher loved by many parents and students.
This next excerpt from my memoir will show why I love her.
“She said, ‘Doug’s making good progress in his studies. He’s pleasant and cooperative in the classroom.’
I burst into tears.
Miss George leaned toward me, a puzzled look on her face.
… ‘This is the first time I’ve heard anything good about my son from a teacher in years.'”
The kindness she extended to our family will always be appreciated.
“After our conference, Miss George sent home ‘Happy News Telegrams’ and lengthy notes about improvement in Doug’s behavior and work. She often wrote, ‘I’m very pleased with him, and you should be, too.'”
Unfortunately, because of a serious health condition, after twenty-three years of teaching, Miss George had to give up the job she loved. Teaching defined her life and was the purpose for which she lived. Now she struggles with living day to day. But that has not dampened her spirit and attitude.
Saturday, I had lunch with her to gift her with a copy of my book.
When I told her she was in the book, her eyes brightened and she asked, “Can you show me where?” I opened the book to page 93 and she read those two pages where she appears.
She was so excited and kept thanking me. In truth, she is the one who deserved my gratitude. She was an angel and a bright spot in our life. And when we are going through a rough time, we need such angels.
Saturday I could see that I was a bright spot in her difficult life. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to repay her in some small way for the enormous gift of grace she extended to us so long ago.
Beautiful. The story keeps growing and expanding in so many ways..
Thanks, Cindi,
I loved connecting with Julie and Miss George. Adds a special touch to the publishing journey.
In case you didn’t get this because it looked like it was coming from Chris Celek … me tearing my hair out with technology … I know you can relate. My message was:
Thanks, Cindi,
I loved connecting with Julie and Miss George. Adds a special touch to the publishing journey.
Wow. Just, wow. Like the butterfly on the cover, ALATG just flits from person to person, gently touching each with grace and offering comfort, hope, and gratitude. It’s amazing how this book has connected and affected so many people. As you know, I find most memoirs self-serving and of little value to the literary or everyday world. But ALATG, this amazing exception, is a shining example of what a memoir should be, of what a memoir should do. Soon you’ll be leading one of those writer workshops you attended at SCN, and everyone should be taking notes.
Thank you, Judy, I’m grateful you have such high regard for my memoir. You, of course, helped make that possible. Any suggestions for how I might teach a class on writing memoir. I think I’m too close to the process to know how to proceed. I am grateful for all the positive feedback I’m receiving and relieved to know that so many think the writing is excellent. Thank you for all your help to make it so.
In case you didn’t get this because you thought you were getting an e-mail from Chris Celek, (I’m tearing my hair out with technology), I’m re-sending it.
Thank you, Judy, I’m grateful you have such high regard for my memoir. You, of course, helped make that possible. Any suggestions for how I might teach a class on writing memoir. I think I’m too close to the process to know how to proceed. I am grateful for all the positive feedback I’m receiving and relieved to know that so many think the writing is excellent. Thank you for all your help to make it so.