Walking That Old Memory Lane… Again.
The packet was full to bursting and was labeled “Student Work/Notes.” The first one out of the envelope was a letter to me dated 10-1-76. It was signed “your friend José Flores” and had been mailed from Mexico City:
Dear Mrs. LaRue,
I’m José and me and my family wish for you that be fine and too a happy new year. I’m sorry because you didn’t been the day that we went to Hayward and I wish that you have readed the message that me and my sisters did put in the board. I like to give you the thanks for your attentions for me in the school, for last I like that you come to Mexico and to my house to meet my family… your friend José Flores, good by.
José included his address, even the apartment number, so I could visit. Even after all these years the tears did come. I wish I could remember him more clearly — a second grader, in my class for only a month or two as I recall. How I hope I wrote him!
Another letter — this one from 1991 — begins Circle one: Messy or Good Job
Dear Teacher, I am happy after Christmas the first graders get to be editors. I practice at home. Me and Carson made a bet that I would or wouldn’t make a mistake on my first try. We bet $1.00. Your friend, Tom Holgate, Grade 1.
Red-headed Tom Holgate — as bright as a new penny! I think he was in my multigrade class for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Carson (Kemmer), too. I wonder who won the bet. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Tom had won. I wonder if either one of them remembers now…
There were also a number of pictures from of Nyel and me. Several of them had us smiling broadly giving one another a fist-bump. Go figure.
And, in case you’re wondering. I haven’t made a dent in that packet. Nor have I managed to do any “downsizing” of the contents… I’m too busy being tangled up in a web of emotions. How glad I am that I kept these treasures!
I can share the emotions you talked about from those early elementary students.
An advantage of being in high school is the memories of students are a bit more “current”.
Had quite a number of wishes on my BD last week from students going back to 1964. Most I did remember on some level. Then, have been receiving photos of the classes of 1970 and 1971 50 year reunion. I have to acknowledge here were few I recognized. I knew the names and could often put some incident to them but “physically” not at all. And, as you said a few tears leaked out.