Don and I went to a movie this afternoon. It was
Water for Elephants. That was strange because I had just noticed on someone's blog profile that one of their favorite books is
Water for Elephants. I had written it down to get the book. I will likely read it even though I saw the movie first. It is best to do it the other way around. It is a good movie and I can recommend it.
Anyway, when we returned, our yard was full of grandsons and their friends. I was told that tonight was Eden Gardens' fundraiser at Jason's Deli. So I called in my order for a tuna melt and walked to get it.
Jason's tuna melts are so good.
As I walked into Jason's Deli, I saw a man with 2 boys. I immediately recognized the boy who was about 11 years old. I had taught him about 20 years ago, when he was in 4th grade at Judson. Well, after you read that again, yes, you will know that that did not make sense. I couldn't restrain myself from speaking to the 11 year old as if I had just seen him in school today. I know I looked crazy, but he was very responsive. After a second, I looked at his father and said, "You went to Judson and I taught you. Your name is Byron?" He was amazed that I remembered and recognized him 25 years later. But of course it wasn't him I recognized it was his son. The son looked just like I remembered his father at that age. The real Byron said, "You're Mrs. Kennedy?" And yes, I was Mrs. Kennedy when I taught him. He asked what I was doing now. I told him that I retired from teaching and now serve on the School Board. He asked in a rather quizzical manner, "And you like that?" I answered, "Well of course not. I just wanted to make a difference in education. I was tired of the decisions others were making for teachers and students." He introduced me to his sons and we briefly caught up on a few things.
I have run into many of my former students through the years. But this is the first time where I have seen one with a child that looked exactly like the parent did when they were in my class. Byron's name was so easy for me to recall, since he is the only child I ever taught named Byron. It was one of the strangest moments of my life. For a second I was back 25 years ago. I left feeling 25 years younger.
Of course the reality of the situation hit me as soon as I got home.
OMG, I'm that old!