Teacher Appreciation Week #2

You don't usually think of 5th grade being a turning point but for me it was. 

Many of you may find this hard to believe but taking things too seriously is not an affliction with which I suffer. I was always a bit of what they call a “Cut Up.” Surprised, I'm sure.

I had a rough year in 4th grade. I stayed in trouble. My grades dropped and I just didn't seem to get along with my teacher very well. I remember being nervous about 5th grade at Bethel Elementary because the three 5th grade teachers all had reputations of being pretty tough. I doubt that is the way we described them when we were 10 years old but age has brought decorum.

One of these fine ladies, Doris Washam, had even had the audacity to pull me out of the cafeteria for acting like an idiot even when I wasn't her student. She obviously didn’t recognize my prowess in the fine arts of “Milk Drinking Races” or “Belching Contests”. Sad really because I was rather awesome at both.

Mrs. Wahsam was a tall, statuesque lady and an imposing presence especially to a 10 year old. I am not ashamed to admit that she scared the hell out of me and I did not want her for 5th grade. Thankfully, my wishes were not answered. 

I would come to realize that Mrs. Washam was not some crazy, mean, distant teacher that I had made up in my mind. In fact she was a wonderful teacher and a marvelous person. She was kind. She was considerate and maybe most importantly for me she was "tough". 

She was the first teacher that I ever had who called me on my BS and that was before I even knew what BS was. She refused to let me get by without trying. She challenged me to take things seriously and to expend some effort. When I did something poorly she expected me to do better. When I did something well she expected me to do it great. When I did something great she expected me to do it again. 

I remember one time she overheard me make a completely inappropriate joke to one of my friends. I felt a quick pop on my backside and turned to see Mrs. Washam looming over me. She quickly admonished me for saying something so crass. It was not to happen again.  I swear, as she turned around to walk away I caught her give a quick smile and shake of her head. It was as if to say, "That boy!" She may very well have found me charming or funny but she never let that get in the way of expecting the most out of me. I also never made another off color joke. At least I never made one in ear shot of Mrs. Washam.

I will also be grateful to Mrs. Washam for one particular conversation she had with my mother and how great it made my mother feel. There aren’t many greater joys for a son than to have someone sing his praises to his Mom. Mom mentioned it often.

I have not seen Mrs. Washam in years. I hope she knows what a special influence she was to me and I am sure countless others.

**Update**
Sometimes life surprises you. Friday was my Father's funeral. As is tradition in the south we hold a "Receiving of Friends" prior to the actual funeral. Traditionally it is held the night before but we held ours prior to the service. As I was standing in line shaking hands and hugging necks I caught a glimpse of a wry smile out of the corner of my eye. Her hair was a lighter color and she stepping a little slower but she was impeccably dressed as always and  I recognized her immediately. The last time I had seen her was once when I was home from college at least 25 years ago.

Mrs. Washam had come to pay respects to my father. She came to support her student from so many years ago. 
I had held my composure for the last several days but I have to admit at that moment I was a puddle. She hugged my neck and I was 10 again. I got to introduce her to my wife and children and she was just as kind and gracious to them as she was to my Mother 37 years ago.  Knowing her and having her as a teacher made a great impact on me for years to come. Seeing her Friday, for me, was an act of grace and a precious moment in my life. NEVER underestimate the influence you have in the lives of others.