Sunday School teachers
As I head towards 50 I want to say some thank yous
Photo: Young Soldier in the Salvation Army 1982 / Portadown News
As I write I can see transition points. One was when I had to repeat Primary 6. My class moved on except for a few. The challenge was to integrate with those who had been the year below me.
The Boys’ Brigade (BB) helped as I knew some of the class through it. Henry had become a friend through the BB and now we were in the same class. I had a friend but his mother also took me under her wing. For a few years until Junior High and the closing of the BB, I felt a part of their family. Henry had a brother Vin who also became a close friend. I was welcome at their home and I enjoyed spending time with them.
I had also had two Sunday school teachers who conveyed something more than others. They made me feel valued. One was in the Salvation Army and the other was in the Methodists. Let’s call them Andrew and John.
They may have been like my Primary 1 teacher who had the gift to make everyone feel her favourite. I only realised I couldn’t have been her favourite when years later others told me they were. Whether they were or not it is a good gift to have, that others feel valued by you. I think I knew somewhere at the time I certainly know now looking back.
I am grateful for them and that I lived in a place where there were communities largely church-related that allowed a kid like me to connect with others and other adults who would nurture the gift within.
Best day,
g
