Thank You Miss Evie.

A teacher affects eternity; she can never tell where her influence stops. Henry Adams

My most amazing soon-to-be mother-in-law has been a second grade teacher for roughly thirty years. Over that time she’s gently molded the inquisitive minds of bitty eight year olds, taught them immortal life lessons and assisted these tiny people in finding their true potential. The significance of a wonderful teacher in our lifetime is fundamental by instilling in us a love of learning and nurturing the bright minds of similarly important vocations of tomorrow. Cyndi has invested so much in so many generations of children and I was greatly privileged when she asked for my assistance in one of her current end-of-the-year projects.

She’s presently in charge of planning the ideal retirement party for her charming eighty-plus year old assistant named Evie. In my time observing the ever-youthful Miss Evie I can assure you that her age is but a number as this kind-hearted lady was full of more vigor and enthusiasm than all of those second graders combined. She has spent most of the years at this school hustling between classes and grades always intently pushing book-loaded carts, contributing one-on-one time educating, loving and encouraging all of the students [and teachers] she’s come into contact with.

Upon meeting the “star” of my photography assignment, she had emphatically gathered both of my hands into hers, stared up at me with brilliant blue eyes and marveled over my profession and my induction into Cyndi’s family. I promptly learned that darling Evie passionately admires the art of photography as her father had once been a freelancing photographer when she was a girl, decades ago. She even admitted to possessing his albums of vintage snapshots, all delicately cared for and proudly displayed. In the few hours I spent in her company I genuinely knew that this precious “assistant” was more than that, she’s a beloved gem and I was honored to have become acquainted with her.

My assignment had been simple; I was to stealthily photograph Evie in her usual surroundings as well as capture her interactions within the classroom. What she ironically failed to relay in our conversation was that she was indeed extremely camera shy [who would have guessed that she had been the daughter of a distinguished photographer?], but Cyndi had fortunately cued me in. Comically, without having the slightest idea of my intentions Evie had vanished numerous times, only to return sunglasses in place and pep in her step.

For those of you who have been following along with us you’ve come to know that my heart belongs to my eight year old little brother, accordingly this age group had a way of enchanting me. They were eager to please and shared in my “super secret” of which Evie had not known [where to her understanding I had been around to photograph the kids]. I was given a break-dance performance and witnessed their clever antics, yet was even more amazed by Cyndi and Miss Evie’s patience and dedication.

I was dismissed having soaked in a life lesson of my own that day which the children chimed aloud. With assertively placed hands to their hearts they repeated that the most important gifts we can give are those “that come from the heart”. Those said “gifts from the heart” include the kinds which make our Mommy’s and Daddy’s cry even though we don’t understand why.

Yet unlike my eight year old peers I understood the impact of such souvenirs, images like these would be just that. They were special pieces of personalized fine art, depicting the invaluable contributions this soul has given to the school system. Evie will be truly and greatly missed, but her involvement and cultivation of these young minds will exist long after her retirement. That, I can promise without a doubt.

Thank you Miss Evie, you’re a true inspiration.