Tremendous news!

I received the most wonderful Christmas surprise this year. On Christmas Eve I received a call from Mrs. Webb who was my fifth grade teacher and possibly the most influential person of my past. This particular teacher was the first person that opened my eyes to my potential and believed in me when I felt no one else did. A majority of the self confidence I have today stemmed from the year I spent in her classroom. That year was a very pivitol year for me as it was the year that my parents went into drug rehab. I was ashamed of my upbringing and did my best to hide it from others but I knew deep down that Mrs. Webb knew the truth. The most wonderful part of it all is that I never felt that she judged me for my parents mistakes, and she ultimately helped me to see that their mistakes didn't limit the possibilities of MY future. I kept in contact with Mrs. Webb for a couple of years after graduating from her class but eventually we lost contact. It wasn't until later in life that I realized just how much she did impact my life. Looking back I now realize that by her pushing me academically that year it eventually gave me the confidence necessary to continue pushing myself to reach all other goals that I've had since. I received proof that hard work pays off, and that you can do anything that you truly put your mind to, when I walked away as the top student in my fifth grade class.

Ever since making the realization that she impacted my life in a much bigger way than I initially realized, I've been attempting to track her down so that I could thank her for all that she did for me. I was unsuccessful for over a year. She had since retired and no one at the school had, or would, offer any contact info. A couple weeks ago I realized why I was having such a difficult time locating her; it because I had her first name incorrect and seeing that teachers are known primarily by their last names, this makes sense. I opened a new book and the main characters name was Joan and it hit me that my teachers name was Joan and not Judy as I previously thought! I then restarted my search and with the help of my sister we had a great lead on the first day! She was discussing with a patient at the doctors office that she worked at how important it was for me to locate Mrs. Webb and the lady asked for my teachers name. By the grace of God this woman knew of Joan and said that she would attempt to get an address for her. Within the week I had an address and sent a letter off with the hopes that she would remember me (it's been 16 years since I was in the fifth grade!), but even if she didn't I felt that it was important for her to know that her years spent as a teacher were important and that she changed my life forever. Unfortunately the address was no longer current but although it took a few weeks the letter made it's way to her hands on Christmas Eve!

Speaking to her was wonderful. She remembered a lot about me and it was really nice to to share with her what I've been up to, and to update her on how wonderful my parents are doing. I'm truly looking forward to rekindling our friendship. We are already planning to have dinner together in the near future.

After our chat I received this wonderful email from her:

Hi Tiffany,

It was wonderful and I was so surprised to get your letter on Christmas Eve. I told my husband that your letter was my Christmas gift. Yesterday I had a chance to look you up on the Miss International pageant website, and I must say that you and your story are VERY impressive. I am so thankful and grateful that your life with your parents has turned out to be good. They are to be commended for turning their lives around; and I'm trusting that they had the help of God in their battle.

Tiffany, what you've written about your fifth grade year is humbling for me. I saw so much in you, and my heart went out to you; you were talented and brave-such a little adult. I loved you and reached out to you, but I never dreamed that the little bit I did could ever mean so much to you. Thank you for your encouragement, Tiffany. Thank you, Jesus, for using me as a vessel to help influence a precious fifth grade girl at Munsey in such a big way.

I hope we really can get together. I'd love to hear about your family, schooling, interests, everything!

Love you,

Joan



I am so grateful that our conversation meant as much to her as it did to me.

God is great.