My little 1st grader

I was at Target the other day with my family looking around. This lady passed by me and then slowly backed up and turned to me. I instantly recognized her...she asked, "Are you Mrs. Potter?" I instantly said "yes!" and quickly searched my brain for a name...this was the mom of one of my favorite students...from my 1st year of teaching! I turned and there stood this little blond 1st grader...I mean, this gorgeous, tall 8th grader! I was ecstatic! This student and her family had meant so much to me and I always wondered if I would see her again! We were able to visit for a few minutes. I do not know where to begin to tell you about this girl. Her name was Kimberly. This is no exaggeration...she adored me! She was so wonderful! I have to admit, she was one of my favorites. She was not the smartest in the class...but she always did her best with a smile on her face. Even if I was asking her to redo something...she did it with a smile. Her family was just as wonderful...
There was one day that Josh had to take me to school, and so I had to wait until he got off from work (6:30 - 7:00pm). Somehow her family found out about this and invited me over for the afternoon. We had a wonderful time together. I then learned that they had a horse...Camelot. He was an old, stubborn horse, but did well with kids and beginners. They told me that I could come over whenever I wanted and ride him. So I did. Well, sort of...I have always loved horses, but since I am not around them all the time, I am also terrified of them...it is a bittersweet relationship! I was pretty comfortable with brushing and saddling Camelot, but I was nervous about riding him when I was alone. Like I said earlier, he was stubborn, and decided that he was boss. He rather enjoyed staying near the barn and so did not like to be ridden away from the barn. I was not brave enough to make him. Remember, he is the boss! So, this is how our time together went: I would walk him across the pasture to the fence opposite the barn. I would then get on him and enjoy the ride back to the barn. It was rather humorous! One time, the family was there and we decided to take him out of the pen so I could ride him farther. Well, once again, Camelot and I were led by Kimberly's mom down the road. When we reached the end and turned around...lead no more...Camelot took off for the barn. It was a thrilling ride, even though I had a hard time stopping him and almost got myself clotheslined by the swing set! Everyone thought I was a natural and that I was in complete control...little did they know!
Well, back to Kimberly and her family. Her parents were both very involved in my classroom and I was really able to gain a relationship! We were even invited over for the 4th of July during summer break. At the end of school, my class had a party for me...a "thanks for being our teacher" party! Kimberly's dad made me a little hope chest with "Mrs. Potter" engraved on it. It sits on my plant shelf. It was filled with notes, pictures, and a few of my favorite treats and things! This family truly made me feel loved and blessed! It was definitely a blessing to get to see them again. Kimberly even told me that I was still her favorite teacher! :)