Remember Jennifer?

She was one of the most memorable kids I've ever had in my program(s). High maintenance, but she had so much going for her. Amazing imagination, bold and capable of self-expression and one of the more dramatic kids I've known. As she grew, there was less maintenance and more enjoyment. :)

It was one of my biggest regrets in leaving my job that I wasn't going to get to spend that last year of elementary school with her. I wanted to see her finish 5th grade and be there to applaud at the advancement ceremony.

That didn't happen, of course. And she was taken out of the program not too long after, seems that her mom really hated Fluffy. Can't imagine why. She hated her even more after I left, because I didn't hide the reasons I was leaving.

Ah well.

Her mom has been in touch with me several times since I left, always having nice things to say.

While chatting with my friends last Friday night, an ad targeted at parents in my area popped up on the screen and Jennifer's face was looking at me. :)

So I emailed her mom to tell her that a beautiful blue eyed girl showed up on my Facebook and sent her the photo that showed up.

Got a really nice email from her in return. Apparently Jennifer went to Outdoor School (it's an Oregon tradition, the 6th graders go every year) and had a wonderful time. She's determined to be a counselor at Outdoor school as soon as she is eligible to be one.

Her mom said, " Jennifer is doing great, she has become very involved in athletics and is making her way in middle school.  Its pretty amazing how some of the things you taught her are being used on a daily basis, girls can be so mean.

She says she misses you very much and she agrees the school year is going well, she just returned from outdoor school, only a two night stay but she us now determined to be a counselor when the time comes.  

We should try and get the two of you to of you together I know she would love it.

Here is a school picture, she has grown so much since the one you attached."

So I asked if she would be off work on Friday, but she isn't, unfortunately.
But I have a feeling that I'll be seeing Jennifer around. And it makes me feel good that her mom thinks I was a good influence on her daughter.

Nice to be appreciated now and then. :)

And it's really worth your time to put 'Jennifer' in the search field. That child was quite the handful for several years.

Here is a link to one of my favorite posts about her and here is another.