Kids return to school in our county in two weeks. This is always a nostalgic time for me, remembering the excitement of my children each year in the weeks and days before they headed back for that first day. Of course, before the school bus arrived, there were the obligatory “first day” photos. Then a hug and a kiss and  “have a wonderful day!” goodbyes as the big yellow bus rolled to a stop at the end of our driveway on the country road.

Both of my children were excellent writers throughout their school years. I remember reading Laura’s senior yearbook when she was co-editor and did most of the writing. I was filled with awe and respect for her insight, her brilliant word choice, and turn of phrase.

And Tim’s writing was original; at times making me laugh out loud, and at times causing me to weep. Whenever I would compliment him on his writing, he had a standard response: “Thank Mrs. Pegues, Mom. Just thank Mrs. Pegues.”

Kathy Pegues was the Gifted and Talented instructor at Tim’s middle school. Several years after he died, I was going through some of Tim’s writings and recalled his standard comment. So I wrote a note to Mrs. Pegues and mailed it to the school where she had last taught. I eventually learned that she had retired. My thank you note was not returned by the post office, but (I later found out) it was never delivered to her either.

A few years ago Mrs. Pegues was an election worker at the school where I vote. We stopped to chat after voting, and I told her I had written to her about her impact on Tim and his writing. It turned out that she had been unaware of his death. So as I told her the whole story of “Thank Mrs. Pegues, Mom,” we stood together bawling in the middle of the high school cafeteria.

She was so grateful to learn of Tim’s appreciation of her lessons and teachings.

Teachers are heroes. They put up with administrative and financial restrictions that would put a crimp in anyone else’s effectiveness. And now many of them are in the middle of the mask/no mask fight with some parents and state governments. It takes a very special person to be a teacher. Think back to your own teachers.

My high school friends and I still comment on our English teacher Mrs. Chisnell. Even though it’s been over fifty years since I last sat in her classroom, I can say with assurance that she has had some influence on my own writing.

If you have children in school this year, I encourage you to pay attention to the amazing people who are teaching your children. And let them know that you’re paying attention and that you’re grateful for them.

“Thank Mrs. Pegues, Mom.”

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NY Times article on masks in schools