Mentor Teacher

I was assigned a mentor teacher

I was 25 years old

I worked in a school that was more like a family

A catholic church, complete with convent

Turned parochial parish school

From this place I kept many relationships

And some dwindled

But this one remains

Strong as ever

We talk mostly by phone

Once a year on our birthdays

And another time if something major changes in either of our worlds

It’s a relationship I’m so grateful for

She’s a woman of strong faith

Her faith is her guidepost, and at times, has been mine too

I admire spiritual maturity and her professional wisdom

When I want to be heard, understood and accepted

About something going on, particularly in my work world

Or in my faith or spiritual world

I look to her. And for her.

I look for lessons.

From her I learned many things

How to pray the rosary at someone’s death bed

How to pray in general

How to celebrate God’s love in the little things

How to look for miracles

How to demonstrate to a child that they are so worthy

How to conclude a conversation “Stay in the state of grace. Love you”.

How to challenge someone and still maintain a connection.

How to protect someone’s heart, even as you correct them.

How to lull a child off to sleep…rhythmic shushing and a goodnight prayer

Her stability gives me faith

Her faith helps me feel protected

Sometimes we receive people in our lives, who weren’t there in the beginning

But feel like they were there all along