She was happy, kind, bubbly, and curious! Hallie loved learning, helping others, and playing hard at recess. “Work hard, play hard!” A great mantra for any age! Twenty-seven years later, Hallie towered over me when we met to catch up for dinner. We’ve been friends on the YouVersion Bible app for many years. Our reunion was past due! She is STILL happy, kind, bubbly, and curious. She’s a mother, wife, and hard worker! It wasn’t a surprise Hallie is living her best life. When I pulled out our class photo, she recalled the names of every student. It’s a large district where students may not be in the same class year to year. Wow! What a great memory, Hallie! Surprisingly, I remembered many. We shared our favorite memories (and the twists and turns in life). From the Flat Stanley book project (do you remember Flat Stanley books?) to graduations and careers. Excitedly I shared about my new pen pal partnership with Ms. Jennie and her Aqua Roomers in Massachusetts. We hugged goodbye and made plans for our next get-together.

Gloria looked so cute curled up in the box with Zeb, the zebra. Thank you amazing Aqua Roomers for our note and cards! The journal was stuffed with tales of adventures with students! Finley didn’t know what to think! Her head swiveled side to side. “She’s going to hang out with us a month and visit schools, Finley!”

From Kindergarten to 4^th grade, music, P.E., and middle school science and English—Gloria made the rounds in Southwest Missouri schools. When I shared her story with students, they were eager to have their “turn” holding Gloria. Kids love being SEEN and a PART of something BIGGER than them. Also, being a BIG part of something GOOD. One student said, “Gloria needs me and I need her.” One girl asked, “Is she the witch from Wicked?” Gloria is GOOD, no matter how she is dressed or her age. We all agreed. Kids amaze me. They’re imaginations aren’t stifled (unless someone tries to stunt them—please don’t). To my amazement, not one student said anything negative about the project (you never know with middle school ages). They shocked me at how much they wanted Gloria to participate!

Kids were comfortable around Gloria. They were open to sharing with me! Their eyes lit up talking about their favorite stuffies, toys, and/or school projects. “Will you and Gloria come back?,” some would ask. At one large middle school, about 10 kids came by the room to say goodbye to Gloria and I at dismissal bell. My heart melted. Even a resource officer stopped by to meet Gloria. The cafeteria workers loved her, too! Oh, the places we could go! Gloria met around 200 students!

Thank you, Ms. Jennie, for all you do for students! Literacy, love, and life-long skills! Years from now students may not remember what they were taught. But I know they’ll remember the ones who loved them and made them feel special (there’s a quote similar to this!). Stop by Ms. Jennie’s room if you get a chance. You will leave feeling hopeful and happy! Who knows will Gloria might go next?

I’m so thankful for the praiseworthy pen pal partnership with Ms. Jennie and her Aqua Roomers! From Missouri to Massachusetts—states far apart, same hearts!❣️

Have you Heard of NET, yet? 🦓

Today feels surreal. My photo memories started popping up two days ago. It was Finley and I’s last school visit that year. From teaching the writing process to nearly 100 students to two days later, being in the ER hearing that I had a mass on my pancreas with metastasis to my liver, lymph nodes, and bones. My life was turned upside down. Two weeks ago, I visited my favorite classroom and began a new chemo that evening. The first week was ok. This last week has proven more challenging. I’m reminded this is a marathon, not a sprint. I’m sad to say that reading too much makes my head hurt and my eyes fuzzy. Writing too long creates elbow and hand aches. My fatigue has slowed me down. Glucose issues won’t allow me to adventure alone right now. Sometimes It’s a lot to digest. Literally. My scalp and skin itch. I’m itching to get back to where I was after my surgery recovery. From the outside I look the same, mostly. Will I ever be the…same?