Praise the Lord....and pass the blessings!

Race over to MomRN2 for the amazing update! Then sing along with me:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

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A post by Holy Mama has me thinking about something. Point number four of what she wishes people knew reads like this, "I wish my high school English teacher and former friend knew I still think of her fondly. (I know, I know, but could YOU contact your high school English teacher if you punctuated stuff like I do?! Gah.) Holy Mama's post always leave me smiling, happy, and THINKING! If you haven't added her to your daily blog reading--do it now!

I was reminded of a time when I, too, was apprehensive about contacting an influential teacher in my life. It's a long story, but I will do my best to shorten it--however, if you know me--you better get comfortable in that chair you are sitting in! :)

When I was 16 years old, I was kicked out of school! Yes, Ms. Pat Hill, the Dean of Girls at my high school asked me to come into her office following an incident (not the first) where I was caught smoking pot while walking away from school mid-day. (This is where I will shorten the story and not go into further details--on this post anyway!)

Ms. Hill notified my parents and we were suppose to arrive in her office the next morning at 8:00 a.m. Neither my mom or dad attended that meeting, however, I dutifully entered her office at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Attitude in hand, I sat before her ready to give her a piece of my adolescent mind.

Ms. Hill: "Diane, do you know why you are here?"

Me: "Duh--that stupid bouncer needs to get his eyes checked! I wasn't smoking weed--it was a cigarette! O.K., I know you think I was skipping school, but I wasn't--I just don't need to go to that stupid class --when will I ever need to use Statistics anyway??????"

Ms. Hill: "Diane, we have talked before. I wish you could see the potential that I see in you. I don't want to have to do this, but I have given you fair warning."

Me: (thinking, offering only a blank stare) : "Potential-HA! My father's a raging alcoholic, my mother is home quivering, readying herself for the next beating. What kind of potential is in that?" "I don't need this sh*t!

Ms. Hill: "It is not often that I see someone in my office in your situation that I want to extend just one more chance. It's about choices, Diane; you are just making the wrong choices. I am here to help you make better choices. "

Me: "I have no choices, you don't know my life. It sucks. I hate it. The only way I can muster through it--is by numbing my mind." More blank stares and an occassional grunt, "Hmph!"

Ms. Hill: "Diane, what can I do to help you see that you don't have to throw you life away like this?"

Me: "My life has been in the garbage pit from the moment of my birth." "Ms. Hill, seriously, I don't need this sh*t!"

Ms. Hill: "Diane, I am going to give you one more chance. If you can tell me what else I should do besides suspend you, I will reconsider. What else do you think we should do?"

Me: "I don't know what to do, do you think I'd really choose this. Do you think I haven't tried every thing I can to make things better? Isn't it enough that my mom and dad don't care enough to even be here--how stupid do you think I am...I'm in this alone."

"I guess there's nothing else you can do. I don't want to deal with this sh*t anymore either."

Ms. Hill: With a literal tear in her eye, "Diane, I know you are going through tough times, I want to help you find your way. Please know that I am always here for you, I beleive in you, I want so much more for you. But unless you are willing to fight for yourself, I cannot do it alone."

Me: "I understand alone Ms. Hill--maybe you're not so bad!"

Ms. Hill: So because this is your third infraction, I am required to tell you, you are suspended from school for the rest of the year. You will have to petition your re-entry next Fall. (Me: "You won't be seein' me again." ) Please take my number, call me if you need anything."

Me: "See ya!" ("What a nerd! She's almost as stupid as the pigs!--I'm outta here!")

That was December of my Junior year. Another story follows; but suffice it to say that God was watching over me. (Shortening the story again---) I did return to school (Oh--how I want to share this part--but brievity, Diane, brievity!) and Ms. Hill was proudly attending my commencement ceremony, June, 1972. She even attended my Graduation Open House. A couple of years later, having had no contact with Ms. Hill, I desperately wanted to invite her to my wedding. I was ashamed of my behavior, embarrassed by my lack of respect, yet, her influence in my life was partially responsible for the hope I had found in living. I sent the invitation to her.

While she had a previous comittment and could not join us on June 7th, 1974, Ms. Hill sent a gift with a card that I still cherish. Her belief in me, in who I could become, was no small feat. She was a significant model in my life and I have been priveleged to share just that with her on a number of ocassions. I must have made her job a difficult one those high school years; but she handled it with ease. I cannot tell you the joy I felt as I told her the difference she made in my life! Her model is one that I live by.

So Holy Mama--write that teacher! People who make a difference are not concerned with poor grammar--or in my case, past failures; they will be thrilled to hear from us. Let's bless others....as they have blessed us!