A Teacher's Gift By Sally Ann Connolly
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. — Henry B. Adams
K
aitlyn began school today. The stunning miracle—who had introduced the Connolly clan to the wonder of new life and fresh beginnings—enthusiastically stepped into her new world. As they walked into school, only her mother, Kelly, hesitated. The reluctant gift-giver tightened her grip on the tender hand and prayed that Papa’s wish for Kaitlyn would come true. Papa, a lifelong educator, was present now only in their hearts. But his wish had been for an ideal first-grade teacher: a nurturing lover of learning whose unconditional acceptance, enthusiasm, and warmth would foster Kaitlyn’s curiosity and embolden her educational path. That path had an auspicious beginning. After Kelly’s second child, Olivia, was born, a bit of cabin fever had set in. A way out, thought Kelly, was to connect again with adults outside the family circle and neighborhood. By returning to work parttime, she could socialize and at the same time earn extra income for her growing family. The staff at the restaurant down the street welcomed her. Kelly and fellow waitress, Teresa, soon became friends and confidants. They supported each other through Kelly’s loss of her beloved father and through the challenges of Teresa’s potentially-serious medical condition. They also shared the joys and tribulations of balancing work with parenthood and education. For Teresa the dream of becoming a teacher had started years earlier at the local community college, and she was now approaching the realization of her goal. Through a chance encounter at the restaurant, Kelly met Teresa’s dad. Instantly, Kelly caught a glimpse of her own father. Simply serving him coffee and exchanging a few words had convinced her: "This is a good man, a special man, who dearly loves his family. I want Teresa to meet my own dad."