Jun 3, 2011

My Friend

About 15 years ago or so I met an incredible teacher.  I believe I subbed as a para in her kindergarten room, basically chasing down my nephew who kept running away.  When I got the okay to student teach in Manson I quickly requested Sheri La Mar.  I loved watching her with her students.  She completely gave them her attention and love.  Throughout the months I student taught in her first grade classroom she was always encouraging, but also offering ways to improve.  The next year I was offered a one-year job teaching first grade.  Working with Sheri again was amazing.  We had a great time.  Chocolate, especially M&M's, became a shared love.  I missed working with her and her very sunny attitude towards life when I moved to fifth grade.  You just couldn't not smile when she was around.  When she found out she had cancer she started a blog to keep people informed and titled it "Smile".  I loved her attitude and the way she kept fighting.    She is now smiling in a different place, blessing those there.


From the musical Wicked


 I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
.
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you 


Thank you Sheri, for helping me grow as a teacher and a person.  You will be missed.

3 comments:

Shannon said...

Wonderful post - perfect song. I will miss her smile.

Grappy Dale said...

A great post to a great woman from another.

jen said...

Love the tribute and what a perfect song. I'll think of Sheri whenever I hear it now.