5/1/13

The path we walk.....and who crosses it....brings us to where we are meant to be. (I just don't want to get there TOO soon.)


I hadn't seen Stan in over 15 years.



I was walking through TJ Maxx not long ago and ran into him in the cooking section.  I looked at him and his eyes widened.

"Mrs. Smythe?  Mrs. Smythe!"

It was a young man who had been in one of my first fifth grade classes.  Back then he was full of energy, personality and a ton of challenges.   Yet, he always had a smile on his face.



I had heard, over the years, that he had gotten himself into many bits of trouble.  He may or may not have spent some time behind bars, and beyond that I don't want to mention.


However; our conversation that day led me to believe that he was making his way back to the straight and narrow, and he was truly happy to see me.   I, in turn, was happy to see him.  I hugged him at the end of our conversation, and reminded him that we are all on a journey.  I told him that as long as we all do our best each day, we are golden.

And that was that.


Until last night.



It was payday and Bitchy and I decided to order Thai.  She stopped by for something to eat, I had a coupon and her graduation weekend was coming up after all.  All of that equals splurge time.


We waited and waited for the food and I decided to walk Junior to pass the time.  I got out front and saw a car rolling slowly towards my driveway.  I smiled and waved my hand, thinking that surely it was our food.


Imagine my surprise when Stan pulled into the driveway and opened the door.


"Mrs. Smythe!!" he said, and handed me the food with a smile. "Wow. I see you again!"  We chatted for a few more minutes, I gave him a lovely tip and sent him on his way.



Fifteen years and no Stan.  And now?  He's in my sights.








And I can't help but wonder why.








12 comments:

TerraD said...

I'm here, but I'm afraid I won't be much good at making you laugh. :)

A Speckled Trout said...

This won't make you laugh but.........my daughter has been a 5th grade math teacher and then an ELL teacher for the last three years. All she ever wanted was her own class and today that happened. 1st grade next year!!!! She is over the moon and I wanted you to know because you're you and I knew you'd be happy, too.

Japolina said...

I believe this.

I have nothing to make you laugh except that I got a paid blogging gig for a diet delivery place. The food is great except for last night the meal was turkey chili and it looked like dog food. My husband ended up eating it and said it was delicious. I ate jelly bellys for dinner instead. I now have a bigger jelly belly myself

#1Nana said...

Yea, sometimes those people are on the path just to annoy us. Sometimes they are there just to deliver Thai food. And sometimes they serve to make us wonder.

Gigi said...

Wracking my brain on ways to make you laugh - and coming up empty. According to my husband, I am at my funniest when it's completely unintentional.

Stan has obviously been placed in your path for a reason - whether it's to deliver Thai or another unknown reason. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Marissa said...

Not sure why--but glad it was in a positive form.

As far as laughing, here's the link that might do that:
http://www.soberinanightclub.com/2013/04/become-teacher-they-said.html

You'll never look at a Post it the same again (totally SFW)

SkylersDad said...

I think that it is so wonderful that all your past students remember you.

But you *are* unforgettable!

Anonymous said...

Bow chicka bow wow!

Toko Busana Muslim Murah said...

Its the details of our lives I think that in some respects make the impact. Its only once in a while the big picture matters. I loves these photos of the details.

Kimberly said...

Last August, at the end of the "new family orientation" at my school, a kindergartener came up to me and said, "My mommy knows you!!!!" She dragged me over to her mother. I had taught her mother in 6th grade. Her mother had just moved to our area and was apprehensive about a new school for her daughter.

The universe made sure that A) I felt incredibly old (but grateful) and B) that family can now rest assured that our school is a place to be.

Anonymous said...

Great story... sounds like he needed to see your refreshing face... sometimes it's easier to inspire other kids... since. our kids think we're stupid at times....

chenlina said...

chenlina20160312
polo ralph lauren
prada outlet
ray ban sunglasses uk
replica rolex watches
cheap nfl jerseys
oakley sunglasses wholesale
gucci outlet
pandora outlet
ghd hair straighteners
oakley outlet
coach factorty outlet online
pandora charms
louis vuitton
ugg outlet online
ugg outlet
coach outlet store online
coach outlet
louis vuitton purses
coach factory outlet
louis vuitton handbags
coach outlet store online
marc jacobs handbags
ralph lauren
michael kors handbags
kate spade handbags
coach outlet
adidas uk
ray ban sunglasses outlet
concord 11
abercrombie kids
ralph lauren
adidas running shoes
michael kors outlet online
louis vuitton purses
timberland outlet
cheap basketball shoes
insanity workout
discount jordans
cheap nfl jerseys
christian louboutin shoes
as