Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A young girl's Christmas surprise!!!

I was in the fifth grade in Mr. Wheeler's class. It was the last week of school before Christmas vacation, and I was ill. So ill, in fact, that I was unable to attend school that week. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed. I could envision my class making Christmas ornaments, singing carols and getting ready for our class Christmas party the last day of school before Christmas. My mother had taken my present up to the school so that the student whose name I had drawn would have a present under the tree. Late that afternoon of the party day, there was a knock on our front door. To my great surprise, Mr. Wheeler, my teacher was standing on my front porch. I think my mother was as surprised as I was, but she graciously invited him in. He said he had come by to check and see how I was feeling and to bring me my Christmas present from the student who had drawn my name. I don't remember who that student was, but they sure knew me well. My present was an American Revolution sticker book. The kind of book where you would read different stories about the American Revolution and then find the stamp in the back of the book that went with that story and then stick the picture with the appropriate story. I remember there were stories about Cornwallis surrendering to General George Washington, Betsy Ross sewing an American flag, Paul Revere and his midnight ride, Patrick Henry saying, "Give me liberty or give me death", and The Boston Tea Party. Oh, how I loved that book because I was a lover of American History. Yes, I know, not many fifth grade girls would be so excited about such a present, but it was perfect for me. An even greater present was that my teacher, Mr. Wheeler, would take the time to bring me my present and check on me. May your Christmas be full of many surprises and sweet remembrances, dear friends!! God bless each of you!!

15 comments:

Connie said...

What a sweet story. I had a teacher we used to visit because we loved her lessons on history also, sugar. That was my favorite subject in school.
xoxo and Merry Christmas,
Connie

Debbi said...

Amazing that you remember exactly what you got that year! What wonderful memories! My best teacher was my 5th grade teacher too. She took a special interest in helping me improve my cursive writing. She is the only teacher that I still remember her name too! Thanks for sharing you sweet story.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

A very heart warming story, Vicki! Sounds like a great teacher and a fun present, too...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Julie Harward said...

Very sweet story and what a nice teacher. In 5th grade, my Mom nearly died from gall bladder infection..I stayed at my teachers home for a week. Before that, I had been kind of afraid of her..but she was so kind. Good teachers are the best! :D

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

What a great teacher and a wonderful, memorable moment in your life. Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Tammy

Julie Marie said...

Hello Vicki... what a beautiful story and life was so different for us back then... Christmas was so special at school too and your teacher was amazing... I loved history as well, and would have loved that gift too... Happy memories... thanks for sharing... xoxo Julie Marie

Unknown said...

Hi Vicki! What a sweet and beautiful story! Your teacher was so wonderful to do that :) I dont think there are many today that would! What a beautiful memory :)
Love ya sweetie,
Amy

Ana said...

Good morning Vicki,
What wonderful memories. I too have many fond childhood, school memories...I'm sad to say that there was one tiny sad one though. I was in sixth grade...my teacher was Ms. Seward. Loved, loved, loved her. She was the best teacher ever! Well, it was the last day of school before Christmas vacation and we were having our little Christmas class party. I can't remember if we had a gift exchange amongst the students. I do remember though, that our beloved Ms. Seward was kind enough to get all her students a little present (crayons and a coloring book, my absolute favorite)...well all except for me...she forgot me :-( I don't know why that still makes me cry, (I'm sobbing like a baby right now.) She just meant so much to me that it broke my heart that she would forget. Of course she felt bad and made it up to me, but it still made me a bit sad. But I still loved her just the same. Silly isn't it? The things we hold on to. Anyway thank you for sharing your very sweet memory. Have a wonderful day my dear friend. Until next time.

Much love to you,
♥Ana

Tanza said...

Hi Vicki,
A very sweet story !! I LoVe hearing all the good things people do, they are so special, and remembered forever !! it is the sweet surprises in life that matter most .. Hope you are enjoying the season Vicki, and thanks for the sweetness shared ~
hugs ~tea~xo

Pauline said...

Dear Vicki, I very much enjoyed your story and can understand your love of your countries history. I was like that too, lol. What a time to be ill though. As a child, I was mad about Christmas...all the carol singing and nativity plays. It's still the most wonderful time of the year; remembering our Saviour's birth.

Merry Christmas, my dear friend.
Hugs

June said...

Hi Vicki,
What a wondrrful thing for your teacher to do! I love teachers who go above and beyond.
This was not just a gift, but a memory to be taken out year after year to be remembered again and again. Now THAT"S a gift!
hugs

Jocelyn said...

What a very sweet story. And what a very kind teacher to make such an effort to bring your gift to you. It is so wonderful to remember such sweet memories.

Hugs and blessings,
Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Tara said...

What a wonderful man he must have been, not just a teacher, to take the time out of his day to see you. I'm sure he had no idea how much that meant to you even after all these years. There are so many wonderful teachers out there and they do not get paid enough in my book! Happy Holidays and thank you for sharing your sweet story!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

What a special story. Your teacher was very thoughtful and probably knew how dissappointed you were because you couldn't be there for the party.What a wonderful memory.

Nanette said...

Hi Vicki,
Such a sweet story. What a wonderful present and so nice for your teacher to take time to bring it to you!
Valerie