-
What a Teacher Learned.
Editor’s Note: Today’s story of kindness is a tad longer than we usually offer but it certainly merits reading. Something about this story should resonate with each of us as we think of the individuals in this story and how many times we’ve sat next to them, never knowing what they’ve been through.
Jean Thompson stood in front of her fifth-grade class on the very first day of school in the fall and told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her pupils and said that she loved them all the same, that she would treat them all alike. And that was impossible because there in front of her, slumped in his seat on the third row, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed he didn’t play well with the other children, that his clothes were unkept and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy was unpleasant.It got to the point during the first few months that she would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X’s and then marking the F at the top of the paper biggest of all. Because Teddy was a sullen little boy, no one else seemed to enjoy him, either.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child’s records and put Teddy’s off until last. When she opened his file, she was in for a surprise. His first-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child with a ready laugh.” “He does his work neatly and has good manners…he is a joy to be around.”
His second-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is an excellent student well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.”
His third-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy continues to work hard but his mother’s death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn’t show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren’t taken.”
Teddy’s fourth-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class. He is tardy and could become a problem.”
By now Mrs. Thompson realized the problem, but Christmas was coming fast. It was all she could do, with the school play and all, until the day before the holidays began and she was suddenly forced to focus on Teddy Stoddard.
Her children brought her presents, all in beautiful ribbon and bright paper, except for Teddy’s, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper of a scissored grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents.
Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of cologne. She stifled the children’s laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume behind the other wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed behind just long enough to say, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to.”
After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and speaking. Instead, she began to teach children. Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all called “Teddy.”
As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. On days where there would be an important test, Mrs. Thompson would remember that cologne. By the end of the year he had become one of the smartest children in the class and…well, he had also become the “pet” of the teacher who had once vowed to love all of her children exactly the same.
A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that of all the teachers he’d had in elementary school, she was his favorite. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy.
He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still his favorite teacher of all time.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he’d stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson she was still his favorite teacher.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor’s degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still his favorite teacher, but that now his name was a little longer. The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
The story doesn’t end there. You see, there was yet another letter that Spring. Teddy said he’d met this girl and was to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering…well, if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the pew usually reserved for the mother of the groom. And guess what, she wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And I bet on that special day, Jean Thompson smelled just like…well, just like the way Teddy remembered his mother smelling on their last Christmas together.
You never can tell what type of impact you may make on another’s life by your actions or lack of action. Consider this fact in your venture thru life.
———————–
Please share this with your friends by clicking the FaceBook “Share” or “Like” buttons in the post.
-
Join The Daily Kindness Community
81 Comments
Dolly
What a great story. We all should learn from this teacher named Jean Thompson. A little act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life. No one is problem free. There are a lot of people who are suffering from lost of loved ones, depression, anger, hurt, conflicts, disappointments, rejections, betrayal, sickness, etc. They may be going through grief of some kind and may feel hopeless because they feel like no one cares. People wear different masks everyday to hide how we really feel inside because we do not want others to know how we feel. Therefore, a simple hello or smile can brighten someone’s day especially when someone is down and out and feels hopeless. They may experience a lift or encouragement when someone cared enough to take time to show a little act of kindness. What is saying hello and giving a smile going to cost you? For me, it brings me happiness and joy when someone smiles back. If they do not smile back, it is ok with me too because I will continue to do what my Lord wants me to do–show His love by loving everyone. I am happpy because my Lord smiles at me everyday.
10 Jul 2010 08:07 am
lourdes suarez
… i was so touched by this great story… A child who craved a mom’s scent… i cried so much since i am a mom missing my son!!!
11 Jul 2010 01:07 am
suraj
A nice story.
11 Jul 2010 01:07 am
fifi
very nice, it just shows that a little love goes such a long long way.
A Raindrop
One little unshed raindrop
May think itself too small;
Yet, somewhere, a thirsty flower
Awaits its fall.
One little word, unspoken,
May seem too small to say;
But, somewhere, for that one word,
A heart may pray.
—Helen T. Allison
11 Jul 2010 01:07 am
Jacki
If only everyone would have the courage to take a stand and just love all people, wow what an idea, I think that is what the Lord has told us from the very beginging.
And the teacher, was not very good at her job, she started off on the wrong foot and treated him like dirt, Love your neighbor as yourself
blessings
11 Jul 2010 01:07 am
Raemond Navarro
I have read this story before….once again I shed a tear as I read it. It never fails to hit me how much more can I possibly do to have a positive impact on somebody’s life.
11 Jul 2010 02:07 am
VMK
I cried. Let us all learn and do good to all who come in contact with us in any way.
Thanks for the lovely story.
11 Jul 2010 02:07 am
Dave
Thanks for the inspirational message,
“There, but for the grace of God, go I”.
11 Jul 2010 02:07 am
marianita
If we love what we are doing, not just doing, though it is difficult we will end up something good, perseverance, love and understanding is the key factor between Mrs Thompson and Teddy… At that time, all Teddy needs was Love and someone who can understand him, in time that Mrs Thompson was more that willing to share and even give…We need to thank God for these people, its a blessing…
11 Jul 2010 02:07 am
Shirley Howard
I once had a great nepnew who I took to live with me, his birthday and my were
the same on that day, I baked him a cake, and refreshments to celebrate with his
friends it was the first time he was able to celebrate,on christmas day I gave
him a gift as I did for my other family members, he expressed it was the first
time he was given a christmas gift, this brought to tears, I was glad that I made a difference his life.
11 Jul 2010 02:07 am
kisho
wonderful,it is my motto in life,take a little step toward every one in life and people will try to take 2 step towards you.Keep smiling and alway try to lend a hand and give a little encourgement every one in your life.God Bless
11 Jul 2010 03:07 am
Barb Snell
July 10, 2010 at 10:38 p.m.
What a wonderful story that makes one feel warm and fuzzy inside, for someone in authority to reach out and have faith in you like this teacher named Jean Thompson, just a small bit of kindness can make a difference in ones life. There is no one problem free, you never know what they are going through at the time, if they are withdrawn, unkept, and sad, something is usually going on in their life that they feel insecure, unloved, or else they are going through grief of some kind at home. We should never judge, but to give a hand to lift them up, smile, be their friend, and reach out to them in their time of need, God does that to us, when we are down and have no will to lift outselves up. We can do the same to those less fortunate than ourselves. A smile, a hug, a special favor can really make ones day in a time of great need. Lets help others find their way. God would like that if we all help and love one another.
11 Jul 2010 03:07 am
Rosemarie
With tears in my eyes, I also think what a terrific story. Jean Thompson had an eye opener. When she read what the other teacher’s wrote, she had a lesson to learn. When she changed her attitude, things began to change with Teddy. Her heart and spirit were lifted to a higher level, and so was Teddy’s. She gave Teddy a purpose to do better. The moment Mrs. Thompson put on the rhinestone bracelet and the cologne, their friendship was solidified forever. Teddy followed up with letters of his success. Mrs. Thopmpson had an attitude adjustment and so did Teddy!!! BFF!!
11 Jul 2010 03:07 am
Rose Etima.
A little act of kindness brings me happiness & joy. I feel sad when I fail to act kindly to any person in need or rejected. There are small acts of kindness which can be showed to any body without cost e.g. prayers, smiles & to say hello! Prayer is small, but is the greatest & most important. It can be said to any body,friends,enemies,near or far, & is the most helpful because it makes God Himself to intervene. Thanks for the story of kindness of the teacher Jean Thompson. It is very encouraging.
11 Jul 2010 03:07 am
TA
I love this story. 2 teachers changed my life. The first one, my 2nd grade teacher made me feel stupid by telling me the questions I ask were stupid. From that time on I was afraid to ask questions.
The 2nd was a professor in college. I was newly divorced with 2 little girls, and a full time job while going to nursing school. It was a challenging time of life for me. He taught me how to learn and not be afraid of making mistakes. That was 27 years ago. I will never forget him. I have told him several times how much he changed my life during a very difficult time.
11 Jul 2010 04:07 am
Prakash Rathi
This is the perfect formulla for the inclusive growth through such effeorts required by all of us for the needy..
It was a great example of reviving one’s life through Kindness, our current society is plagued with many more social epidemic, stigmas, therefore there are many person who are hopeless, dipressed, directionless, who require one’s moral kind support which every one can do for anyone who need this moral support which can enlighten their lifes,
I like Thompson way of teaching that should be incorporated in our education system……we cannot makes one’s life by making them to bring more marks….
Commented By
Prakash Rathi
11 Jul 2010 04:07 am
marizze fajardo
this story does not only hold true to teachers- anyone can share a little concern a little appreciation and what a big impact that would be on the person who would be receiving that attention.
a big thank you for sharing this story- an awareness had opened up in my heart today.
11 Jul 2010 05:07 am
thess
Very nice story and very inspiring. it is true that everyday is a journey, sometimes i feel good, sometimes not so good… but the best thing to remember whatever feeling i have for a day, is to do what God wants me to do. Simple act of kindness is just enough…i can sleep peacefully at night telling God what i’ve done…and be ready for the next day, with Gods grace- everything is possible…
i will share the story to my co-teachers. Thank you. God bless your endeavor.
11 Jul 2010 05:07 am
Merced Abelardo
being a teacher myself, the story hit me right here in my heart… and the more I become proud of being one, or should I say, choosing to be one…
I am a chemical engineer, but decided to stay teaching despite the low income… there is more to it than finacial gains… and I never regreted my decision some 20 years back… and with this story, I am thankful and more proud I had that decision… and hope that somehow, along the road I took, I was able to effect even a bit of a change to my students…
11 Jul 2010 05:07 am
nilda b. edic
what a great story…very touching & inspiring as well!
God moves to each & everyone of us…
11 Jul 2010 05:07 am
shirley Daniel
A very touching story and although it is a story it can be related to our daily lives and how we come across people and if we do not regard them or pay attention to them their hidden talents stay hidden forever and they become a nuisance to society and end up in jail.
Jesus parable of the good samaritan is a good example of what kindness is all about.
11 Jul 2010 05:07 am
aarti
Indeed a very touching story. You always cannot judge a book by its cover there a lot more to read between the lines. And as Ms. Thompson understood children are very sensitive, a small jesture of love can change their course of life whether good or bad.
11 Jul 2010 06:07 am
Jo Otero
With that one Christian act, Jean Thompson earned he r place ib Glory. Maybe that one the one thing she was place on Earth to do and she did it admirably. God has blessed you, Jean Thompson.
11 Jul 2010 07:07 am
V. Chacko
My heart is really moved and I would really appreciate the contributer for placing such inspiring story. May the Lord Almighty reward you.
Pastor P.C. Varghese
Bahrain
11 Jul 2010 07:07 am
Nooapii Manu
I found this story so profounded that penetrates to the core of my heart to realised that brother Teddy had learned alot from his mother through being patient and self-controll.
Surely this is how I came to live my life by putting smile on me face no matter what come into my life.
Keep pressing forward that way brother Teddy for surely you’re a brother that had more to come your way and you will not fail to recieve them.
11 Jul 2010 08:07 am
Divya
wat a wonderful story….touched my heart… abeautiful example that humanity exists and what wonderful things we can do with no money at all at a cost more priceless….kindness….simply beautiful… adds a meaning to living.
11 Jul 2010 08:07 am
meyo
inspiring!!!love it!!!
11 Jul 2010 09:07 am
Mina
This was an amazing story. I couldn’t help crying. I also am a teacher, I was thinking of quitting my job and getting another… But this one… It’s really moving…
11 Jul 2010 09:07 am
suhas chitale
i wae moved, would like to meet both the teacher and the student.
suhas
11 Jul 2010 10:07 am
Dot Kuku
One of the most moving stories ever told. It made me cry, it made me
smile and also taught me to find out what people are going through before
they are judged. (if they are behaving a certain way ). You never know, you
may be that ANGEL to change their life for good.
WELL DONE MRS JEAN THOMPSON, you sure saved a life that could have been lost.
Thanks for this great story and I’ll surely pass it on.
11 Jul 2010 10:07 am
Molly Koshy
This is such a beautiful story of how we can impact a person’s life through the little kindness and consideration that we show. We can never know what anyone is going through in life but we can extend God’s love to others. In this story we can see a lesson the teacher had learned but most importantly how her actions had transformed him. Rarely do we come across a student who remembers a particular teacher all his years in school. It is noteworthy to see that it is the student who keeps in touch with his favourite teacher all through the years. He honours her by giving that special place on his wedding day. What a an honour. It brought tears to my eyes because being a teacher myself for over forty years I will never know if I have captured any student’s heart the way it did his. It reminds me of something I read a while back. “To handle yourself use your head but to handle others use your heart”.
11 Jul 2010 10:07 am
Gordon Johnson
Beautiful story and a great way to begin my Sunday.
Teddy reminds me of me during my early days. I have always remembered those wonderful teachers of elementary years. Mrs, Veatch, Mrs. Latch, Mr. Durham and Principal Ruby Rhodes. They kept me going. I firmly believe that they, along with a wonderful and loving grandfather set me onto my highway to heaven.
They are all in heaven now. I’ve a strong feeling occasionally that they all look down and smile and emit a message – “You, Gordon, have met our expectations and before too many years, we will be here to welcome you to eternity.
11 Jul 2010 11:07 am
Aurora
A little kindness always makes a difference. If only we could see Jesus in everybody’s face especially those who suffers, it would not be difficult to do an act of kindness. This makes things more bearable for them who suffers and more worth living for for us who offers kindness.
11 Jul 2010 11:07 am
Lynn
Bless Jean and all those people out there that do such wonderful work on the young and aged too. May this inspire many many others to do likewise.
God bless you all
Lynn
11 Jul 2010 11:07 am
farah
it is a very simple and nice story at the same time, as teacher`s role should be like that all the time, caring for the non normal student, checking why he is like that, but a our life now became so fast and complicated, so the normal changed to be unique and the unique became normal, everyone cares only about himself and only his family, even neighbours has not any care any more, so our life now becomes hard,no real happiness or love, matters became like acting, so
yes this teacher break the role and paid attntion, helped the soul of a child, and sure the soul will never foget her, and she has ingraved her name in his mind and heart, also God sure will keep her a nice place in heaven and I hope every one all over the world to show some mercy and love, care and kindness to
the people only around him, you, me, her, him, they, then you will find the whole wolrd is different
I hope so, thanks for the story, and keep going
11 Jul 2010 11:07 am
alice
such stories like this makes your day,it enlightens you,it inspire you,it applies and can happen to anyone,to any teacher and much so in any child,inspiring and promt everyone who reads it to smile to everyone afterwards.
11 Jul 2010 12:07 pm
Albert Grupe
I am very inspired by this teacher and know that even at my age of 69, I can do what my Lord wants me to do-show His love by loving everyone.Tough but with God nothing is impossible.
11 Jul 2010 01:07 pm
Mary Holloway
This was a wonderful story…I believe I heard it first several years ago on Paul Harvey,
11 Jul 2010 01:07 pm
Tayo
Very nice story. A candle does not die by lighting another candle, but rather helps to brighten the world. It is a story of hope when all hope seemed lost and that of faith in a cause that one believes in.
The Teacher lived true to her calling by showing interest in that poor heartbroken student and she restored hope to hid heart.
What a great sacrifice? May God bless the soul of that Teacher.
TP
11 Jul 2010 01:07 pm
lilian
A very touching story and it is true that a little kindness for someone will go a long way. i can change one’s life and for the better. i would show more kindness and gentleness to others as way of showing my love and concern too. Being sensitive to one’s needs is a must. and most of all, a smile will keep somebody happier . God loves a cheerful giver…with kindness and gentleness.
11 Jul 2010 02:07 pm
Yoga
This is a great story………really as you say in the mail we can make a lot of our and others life better by pursuing the positive in others and us than ruing on the shortcomings……..thanks………..yoga.
11 Jul 2010 02:07 pm
Tonie
So touching. We all need to be attentive to the people around us, even in our “busy life”. God help us.
11 Jul 2010 02:07 pm
Lamura Latae
Everyone needs acceptance and love, even if they do not know it. An inner smile, silent love sent out, or telling someone when you see love and light in them. I personally have never found a bad person. Oh, I have found those that appear to be angry, fearful, insecure and have other handicaps. Within all of us is the Spirit of Wisdom and Goodness. In some it is well hidden but always there. Seeing that intently, in person or from a distance, helps to bring it out. Anger is a cry for love. Although that is difficult to remember at times, we can bring that love, within each soul, out with little acts of kindness. Thank you for that beautiful story. We need to hear more truths and love experiences as the appearance of problems continues to grow. Also, what continues to grow, acts of caring and kindness is happening in more and more groups of people, all over the world, who care.
11 Jul 2010 03:07 pm
Janice O’ Malley
This is a remarkable story of compassion, love and mercy. Ms. Thompson took the extra time to view the inside of Teddy instead of view just the covering. We all sometimes judge too harsly of each other because of the way we look, but most of the time if we had the courage and mercy to dive deeply into knowing the person; we would receive many blessing and experience the true meaning of love.
11 Jul 2010 04:07 pm
GIDEON MARI MBAYA
its good to be kind it always pays
11 Jul 2010 04:07 pm
Derrick Lobo
Very touching story because it is so very true. We sometimes have similar cases right under our nose, or our neighbourhood, but want to play blind / deaf /or mute. I pray to the Lord to make me more sensitive to other people’s needs instead of living a ghetto life.
11 Jul 2010 05:07 pm
Marti
This was a touching and sad but encouraging story. Some children have problems and we are do not take the time to find out the cause. When my sister passed away she left 3 children one 5 years old and the other 18 mos. The were brought up by my parents. When Jennie (5) was not doing good in school, she day dreamed all day nd had no intrest in activities or classroom study. One day her teacher called on my father and told him about the above problems with Jennie, my dad told her she had just lost her mommy and then that’s when the teacher understood what the problem, she told me father she needed a lot of love at home and attention and she would do the same at school. At the end of the year Jennie was doing very well, and it was because the teacher took the time to fidn out what the child’s problem was. God bless our teachers who notice and care. My oldest daughter is a 5th grade teacher and she is very caring and she tells me of stories like Teddy and others. she even takes her time to go and tooter children that are behind during the summer. God bless our teachers who take an extra step and interest. This story brought tears to my eyes.
11 Jul 2010 05:07 pm
Vera Woodard
This story is so haeart warming. I taught school for one year. I was amazed to find out that so many children are struggling to eat, live and have a place to sleep. I was so honored to be able too share a dime, or a listening ear if this made their day.
11 Jul 2010 05:07 pm
james
It is really a meaningful story.A teacher can play a vital role in the life of childrens life especially children who need special attention.Here teacher touched his soul which he cannot forget in his entire life.Teacher slowly plays the role of his mother as mother was really close to him.When we read this story we feel the meaning of life.Thank you for this story
11 Jul 2010 05:07 pm
james
good teacher can be a good model
11 Jul 2010 05:07 pm
Marc
A story which moved me greatly as though this is an absolutely wonderful piece of writing by Elizabeth Ballard, published in Home Life magazine in 1976 as a work of fiction, my wife is a current 7th former 6th grade teacher who interacts with Teddy Stoddards daily. She sometimes receives notes of thanks from former students whose lives she has turned around or made a profound difference in. She recently attended a college graduation party of a girl who was lucky to make it into high school.
While my wife and other teachers like her and the “Mrs Thompson” rarely will turn out the next MD, it is moving to know there are teachers who do teach the children and not the subject as each student is an individual.
Thanks for making the day a little better
11 Jul 2010 06:07 pm
Donna Sarrell
What a wonderful story. I try to live my life the way Ms. Thompson finally did. Never assuming anything about anyone…one never knows what someone has gone thru. This story touched my hear and made me say Thank you God. Not that anything has to make me say this, I just do…alot. Thank you so much for sharing this story. Believe me, I am going to share amonst many. God Bless Ms. Thompson and God Bless Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
11 Jul 2010 06:07 pm
Flor de Maria Zepeda
Sandy Omelon was the name of a Canadian teacher I had in Mexico City.
I was in Sunny Hills school.
I still remeber how sweet her words always were. I bet she was like that with all my classmates. She always had wonderful coments to write on the notes for her tiny students.
I´m 44 and I tried to contact her a few years ago just to say “thank you, I still remember you”.
11 Jul 2010 07:07 pm
Marilyn
This was a truly beautiful story. Mrs. Thompson should be honored because she made such an impact on this boy’s life. I find even a smile at someone in the supermarket, on the street or anywhere makes you and someone else feel good…because 9 times out of 10 they smile back. God is good!
11 Jul 2010 08:07 pm
MARIE,FROM PENNSYLVANIA
MARIE: JULY 10TH,2010 WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY, AND ONE THAT ALL STUDENTS, AND PARENTS AS WELL SHOULD LEARN FROM THIS WONDERFUL AND KIND WOMAN, MRS. JEAN THOMPSON, SHE IS JUST A GREAT TEACHER OF TODAY WORLD FOR ALL STUDENTS TO LEARN FROM. THE LOVE, KINDNESS, AND HOURS I AM SURE SHE SPENT WITH LEARN THIS YOUNG BOY, NOT TO GIVE UP, AND HOW SHE WAS ABLE TO TEACH ALL OF HER”S STUDENTS HOW MUCH SADNESS THAT COME INTO A CHILD LIFE, WHEN HE IS LEFT IN THIS WORLD WITHOUT HIS” MOTHER LOVE,” FOR HIM TO GO ON WITH HIS FUTURE. MRS. THOMPSON TOOK ON THIS WORK AND LOOK AT THE OUTCOME OF THIS YOUNG BOY OF WHICH SHE GAVE HER LOVE, KINDNESS, UNDERSTANDING, AND LEARNING HIM TO GO ON WITH HIS FUTURE TOO. HOW GREAT MRS. THOMPSON, MUST HAVE FELT WHEN THIS YOUNG BOY, WHEN ON WITH HIS GRAMMER,AND HIGH SCHOOL, AND COLLEGE, AND IN THE END OF ALL OF THIS, HE BECAME A DOCTOR. HOW IS MOTHER WOULD HAVE IT BEEN IF HIS MOTHER WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE THERE FOR HIM, AND SEE ALL OF THIS HAPPEN TO HER SON. SO MRS. THOMPSON, I THINK BECAME THIS BOY, “MOTHER” AND ALSO HIS “TEACHER” IN LIFE THAT KEPT HIM GOING WITH HIS FUTURE. I THINK THAT WE ALL COULD USE A “MRS THOMPSON” IN ALL OR OURS LIFE TODAY, AND IN ALL THE SCHOOLS, AND COLLEGES OF THE TODAY WORLD TOO. HOW GREAT THAT MRS. THOMPSON MUST HAVE KNOW OF THIS AND THAT THIS YOUNG MAN, BECAME A DOCTOR, I THINK DUE TO HER TEACHING. GOD BLESS HER FOR ALL OF HER GREAT UNDERSTANDING,& TEACHING AND KINDNESS SHE SHOW THIS YOUNG BOY IN HER LIFE TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND HER MANYS THANKS, FOR BEING SUCH A GREAT PERSON AND TEACHER AS WELL. TAKE CARE AND MY BEST WISHES FOR MRS. JEAN THOMPSON. AMEN. A FAN FROM LAFAYETTE HILL, PA.
11 Jul 2010 08:07 pm
Sangeeta
what an insipirational story ! every teacher must and should take a lesson from this.what an impact teacher leaves on the mind and life of a student.Teacher is just like “A DOCTOR’S WORD” for a student.A little word and act of kindness goes a long way.Life is full of problems so if our little deeds can brighten up a life we must definitely try to bring a cheer to somebody .
12 Jul 2010 12:07 am
Elyn
this story really touched my hear
12 Jul 2010 03:07 am
Mary
Ms. Jean Thomson is truly one of a kind. Unfortunately, few teachers are like that. They are concerned only with their lessons to teach and never even bother to ask if the students understand, or if asked a question to clarify, they are more impatient than wise in their explanation. It’s stories like these that keep our hopes high and remind us that there is a God who truly loves us.
12 Jul 2010 03:07 am
Elyn
*heart
12 Jul 2010 04:07 am
Godfrey
Wow! what a fascinating story! This has really moved me! Indeed “you cannot give away kindness, it will come back to you” Am inspired today 2 b a blessing 2 someone by showing kindness coz what one makes happen for another, God will make it happen for him. Thank you Daily Kindness.
12 Jul 2010 05:07 am
Lakshmi
It was an interesting and pleasant story. Each and everyone should read this story and they should implement kindness in their life. But surprise is that I got a dream in the morning regarding a boy and the same day I got a newsletter where I read this story. I know the value of kindness because for the same I had suffered in my childhood. Surely I will show kindness to other people especially those who really need it. Thanks for such a lovely story.
12 Jul 2010 05:07 am
caroline
wow the story is great with alot of lessons in it. sometimes we feel discouraged with the things we are going through and see as if we have come to our end but isn’t. God always has a way for us just as this teacher did and changed the life of this boy.its a great challenge to us also to think and respond positively to others.
12 Jul 2010 06:07 am
Ana de Madrid
Hola all!
I know you will like / relate to this lovely story, see link, worth reading, several of you being teachers right now! I had an 11-year-old boy like Teddy in my first-year of teaching at a tiny church school in Cambridgeshire, England, Melvyn Cottage, unruly, cheeky, deviant, only came to school occasionally – and made my life miserable when he was there, prankster that he was! He told us he couldn’t come because he and his 10 brothers and sisters pretty much shared one pair of shoes, but he loved fishing and hunting when he “Played hookey” as we then called truancy!
I wanted to go to his home and talk to the mother with 10 different fathers, but sadly, it was never possible, and sadly, I do not think I made a lasting impression, as this teacher did on Teddy, on Melvin! I soon switched to a Cambridge language school ( The Bell School) that catered to super-rich sheiks from the Middle East and other rich Europeans, all trying to learn English! All had shoes, several had Maseratis. I rode a bike!
But… I have never forgotten Melvin Cottage and often wonder what he became. I hope he finally had a teacher like the one in this story because he was definitely bright- brighter than me! I would have loved to avoid school to play in the fields- and get away with it, as shoeless Melvin always did!
Confession of:
Judith Ana de Madrid Johnson, President
Action Communications International, Calgary
Tel. (403) 283-9014; 1-888-507-8224; Fax (403) 283-9078
12 Jul 2010 06:07 am
Alberta
I agree with this person– he or she said it very well !!!.
12 Jul 2010 11:07 am
Max’s
That was an awesome story and very moving. It has encouraged my heart..
12 Jul 2010 12:07 pm
Vio
A little act of kindness cannot cost us a penny but does immeasurable positive magic to the recipient.
Say thank you, sorry, you look smart; it will make a whole lot of difference in that person’s life.
Picture this; What if you stayed a whole month and noboby has apologized for a wrong deed or thanked you for a good deed, how would you feel?
12 Jul 2010 01:07 pm
val Mydock
My Jesus is so wonderful to me. He loves me unconditionally even when I have bad days. I am a sinner saved by Gods grace. I thank you Jesus.
God is so good. He sent his only son to die for me. I am a sinner saved by grace. I do praise him.
12 Jul 2010 04:07 pm
Bee Ravelo
What a touching story. Many a times we don’t take note of simple, quiet people around us simply because we find them so insignificant. Many a times their “insignificance” open our eyes to a higher wisdom, to a greater sensitvity and to the kind of awareness we need to share and give to someone who needs to give more value and importance to his “person”.
Yes, I was awaken with this story with the realization that every person has his own “story”. It is up to each of us to listen and to respond.
12 Jul 2010 05:07 pm
Babs
You never know when you are entertaining big or little angels unaware. It just pays to be kind to all and I know it’s not always easy but it will pay off on this side of glory as well as the other side. Jesus says in Matthew 19 verses 13-15, “Let the children come to to Me and do not forbid them; for such is the Kingdom of heaven”. We as his followers should do no less.
12 Jul 2010 10:07 pm
Elaine Sessions
How precious. Aren’t we glad that God sends encouragers into our lives?
12 Jul 2010 11:07 pm
shraddha bakshi
what an amazing story!!!i myself has been a teacher and i can sense the story’s essence…
13 Jul 2010 02:07 am
mary
This has really tourched me,but teddy is just one out of thousands from arround the world that had the tourched from an angle.God will continue to bless you Mrs. Thompson
13 Jul 2010 09:07 am
Arlene
Enchanting! We all need a Mrs. Thompson in our lives! Thank you for sharing this beautiful uplifting story… and making us more aware of how precious our journey is in life.
13 Jul 2010 12:07 pm
jan blasingame
What a wonderful story!!! If we could all make an impact on someone’s life like that!!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. It inspires me to want to do more to help someone and make a difference in a positive way.
14 Jul 2010 05:07 am
Christian Sampson
very good information you write it very clean. I¡¯m very lucky to get this info from you.
14 Jul 2010 03:07 pm
JANET TIBALDO MADAYAG
what a wonderful teacher yes a teacher should be number one to tell about JESUS CHRIST
14 Jul 2010 09:07 pm
Rebeca
almost made me cry but i’m in class at the moment…so i can’t show my tears..
15 Jul 2010 09:07 pm
Ruchelle
I was moved and felt like crying. This story really touched the inner me as a teacher. I felt the need to be more of a surrogate parent than a facilitator of learning.I just remembered the sign on the shirt of the other teachers i met today which said “I am a teacher, a catalyst of change. I mold minds, I touch lives, I shape the future.” My old students come back to me and say how grateful they are to me and even bother to look for me in Facebook, I guess even if they don’t say it, I feel that somehow I have touched their lives, I pray, like Mrs. Thompson, I can touch more lives and extend even a little kindness to anybody everyday. This prayer is not only meant for me, I share this with everyone in the world.
16 Jul 2010 01:07 pm
Simply Me
We dont have to be a teacher like Mrs. Thompson to touch the lives of others. We can do it everyday of our lives.
I once met this quiet shy guy in after school lessons. He was sitting with his friends but wasnt talking. i started talking to his friends an we started a huge animated discussion. but he didnt join in. i thought that maybe he was in a bad mood or something. but the next time i saw him he still wasnt talking to anyone. so i asked him his name and he told me. the conversation ended there an i went back to talkin to his friends. but i didnt forget him. i found him on facebook an i started a chat with him. he didnt talk back much an didnt ask questions. it was kind of a one person conversation but i still pushed on. i talked to him regularly on facebook but he always ignored me in classes. an none of his friends even knew that we were talking.
One day he asked me for my number. i gave it to him but we only texted. we never called each other. i hung out with his friends sometimes but he always ignored me. eventually he started being more comfortable talking to me an i found out we had a lot in common. then 1 day he asked me to be my date for prom. it had taken him 6 months but he finally did it. i had started out wanting to be jus friends wit him but as i got to know him better i started liking him. an he in turn liked me too. during the 6 months i got a little frustrated but i never gave up on him. our prom night was the best night of my life. we talked and danced an he held on to me all night. i never thought that i would meet the love of my life this way but it was all thanks to my talking to this guy that i normally would not have looked twice at. being kind paid off for me.
16 Jul 2010 06:07 pm
physician assistant
Keep posting stuff like this i really like it
17 Jul 2010 07:07 pm
Debra Rincon Lopez
WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM THIS STORY, EVEN IF WE AREN’T TEACHERS OURSELVES. READ IT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF. IT’S GOT UNDERLYING TEACHINGS.
18 Jul 2010 06:07 pm