Saturday Slight

~~~This week's highlight: a visit with Miss Ellie and her dad Chad.~~~

I often refer to my students as "beloved." Hundreds of them are. I have been blessed as a teacher to know many beloved young people and to follow their lives. It's teaching's greatest gift, I'd say.

Yesterday I enjoyed one of those post-teaching moments when Chad and his daughter came to visit.

Chad is special for many reasons. He's one day older than my son Willie. So, he graduated with Willie. He played on a basketball team with Willie back in the sixth grade. I think that's when I first met this lanky, handsome boy with a mop of blond hair.

Over the years, Chad got involved in soccer. He ended up being a stand-out in the league and within the state his senior year.

He also served as my Cedar Post editor his senior year.

I don't think I've ever met anyone with quite the loyalty Chad has for those he cares about. I feel honored to be among those.

It has been a pleasure since 1995 following him on his life's journey. And, it was a thrill yesterday to greet his adorable little girl for the first time. We visited in the living room, talking a lot about photography (one of Chad's first loves) and then touring the Lovestead, where dad and daughter rode in the 4-wheeler as dogs raced alongside and curious horses came to sniff.

Of course, they're new Lodgepole Society members.

After the Lovestead visit, we headed off to the WHOOOOOOOOOOOT Owl, where I enjoy visiting with a lot of my special friends and family members.

Thanks to you, Chad, for your friendship and for checking in whenever you come to town. Both mean a lot to an old teacher.