A few weeks ago I was sitting behind two former students at church. Sisters, who are only two years apart, who I had the pleasure to teach for two years each. I used to loop between first and second grade so I taught many of my former students for two years. These two sisters look so much alike, when I first met them at the open house before the older sister started first grade, I thought they were twins. All through the church service I was thinking about how I wanted to chat with them afterward and I prayed I could figure out which one was which when they turned around.
The service ended and I was able to catch their attention. “Good morning girls! How are you?” I exclaimed. I took a deep breath and pointed to one and said, “Ellen?” and pointed to the other and said, “and Diana?”
The nodded and smiled. I heaved a silent sigh of relief. We chatted and I learned they are now in 9th and 11th grade. When I asked what they are interested in Diana, the older sister, said swimming and Ellen said journalism.
I have to admit when I heard journalism I wondered if Ellen’s second grade writing experiences had sparked her interest in writing. It also brought to mind an information piece she had written as a second grader about swimming. I couldn’t remember the exact wording in her piece that made me laugh but I knew it had something to do with swimming safety.
Yesterday, as I mindlessly scrolled through Facebook, I saw I had a memory from 7 years ago. I don’t always look at these memories but I was glad I looked at this one because it contained the part of Ellen’s writing piece that made me laugh. I took a screenshot of it so I could remember it.
As I sat two rows behind my former students this morning, I knew I had my slice for today. I don’t know if Ellen will continue to pursue journalism but I do know the writing experiences we provide to our youngest writers can last a lifetime.
My Three Positives in Memory of Tim
1. Though the temperature has been in the 20’s most of the day, the sun is pouring through the windows.
2. I’ve recovered from a very busy week.
3. My husband is making homemade pizza for dinner.
All month I’ll be joining my sister in focusing on three positives a day in memory of my brother-in-law.
Two Writing Teachers
Teaching from an Empty Nest 
I love when their little (but big in their own way) voices come out in their writing. And I guarantee you giving them time to write had something to do with them wanting to be a writer. I often refer to my 3rd grade teaching to my students as I tell them it was the first time I remember loving to write. I’m so glad you saw former students – especially at church 🙂
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Parents have super vision 😍
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