Some of my former students are now parents and grandparents. I know this because they send me messages on Facebook and other social media sites.
They are almost as old as me!
Ever since I finished my latest book , FOR THOSE WHO CAN I’ve thought about the huge impact that teachers have on their students.
Every so often I see one of my former students and they remind me of things that I may or may not remember. For example ... about twelve years ago when I worked at All Children’s Hospital I noticed a physician who was eyeing me as I toured a group of women through the Units.
She looked familiar but I just couldn’t place her. As we walked through the halls, she approached me. “Mr. Momberg. You might not remember me. I’m Christina ... you taught me in sixth grade.”
It came back to me. “Of course. Christina. How have you been?”
“Fine. I now have a busy surgical practice. And I have two daughters both in college.”
“Wow. That’s terrific. Good for you. “
She paused and looked at her feet for a minute. “I ummm ...”
“Is everything okay?”
She hesitated. “Well. I just wanted to tell you something that’s been on my mind since I was in sixth grade.”
I was a little nervous ... thinking she wanted to tell something awful about her sixth grade experience. “Sure. What’s up?”
“Do you remember when you thought I was cheating and getting answers to the math test from Catherine that day?”
Not a clue ... I thought ... but I just listened.
“Well. I told you I didn’t cheat but I did that day. I felt SO guilty all these years for lying to you!” She looked at me. “I’m so sorry.“
I smiled. “I forgive you.”
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