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Day: July 31, 2023

How I’d Like to be Remembered

July 31, 2023 ~ wordancerblog ~ 6 Comments

As I grow older, I often think about how I want to be remembered: for the art I make, for the poems I write, for the work I’ve done for over four decades.  Yes, all of that.  But this past weekend I was reminded about what is most important to me.

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  1. margaretsmn's avatar
    margaretsmn on SOL: March 2026 – Book of HoursMarch 10, 2026

    What a wonderful space of poetry you have created here! I wish I had time to read them all, but…

  2. kimhaynesjohnson's avatar
    kimhaynesjohnson on SOL: March 2026 – Book of HoursMarch 10, 2026

    Today's poem really struck me - - I'm reading this morning, and there are days I know the minute I…

  3. Glenda Funk's avatar
    Glenda Funk on SOL: March 2026 – Book of HoursMarch 10, 2026

    Day 10: These light/dark images are mesmerizing and speak to divergent preferences, but I can’t help by fall back to…

  4. wordancerblog's avatar
    wordancerblog on SOL: March 2026 – Book of HoursMarch 10, 2026

    Happy soon-to-be-retirement. I recently signed my contract for another year at my school. I want to get to 50 years…

  5. kimhaynesjohnson's avatar
    kimhaynesjohnson on SOL: March 2026 – Book of HoursMarch 9, 2026

    Oh my goodness, how your verse resonates with me so fully today. This, especially: We see the brightness of a…

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6 responses to “How I’d Like to be Remembered”

  1. Tina Avatar
    Tina
    July 31, 2023

    I love this! You were paid the highest compliment but I believe the greatest benefit to striving to be kind is the inner peace it gives us and in turn that becomes a gift to the world. Great reminder to us teachers who get caught up in the moment and (often) have to gently bring ourselves back to a clear mind by taking a breath and joyfully connecting with our students. You wrote beautifully about the “big picture”—loved your description of Emma too!

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  2. majfoil Avatar
    majfoil
    August 1, 2023

    Yes! You are kind, and that kindness makes a difference and helps your learners learn!!! ❤️

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  3. Fran McCrackin Avatar
    Fran McCrackin
    August 1, 2023

    We all, especially teachers, have these moments of being recognized by former students. But this one was special, for sure. How good of Emma to just blurt out what she thought. Your telling of this simple story is direct and honest and suits the simple message.

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  4. Denise Krebs Avatar
    Denise Krebs
    August 1, 2023

    Joanne, what a lovely compliment and a joy-filled experience becoming reacquainted with Emma. And yes, I agree, kindness is a great legacy to leave. Beautiful post.

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  5. Anita Ferreri Avatar
    Anita Ferreri
    August 1, 2023

    What a lovely compliment and a great way to be remembered! I once saw a former student when I was called back to discuss my mammography. She had been a struggling reader who finally figured it out and had become a radiologist. She thanked me for believing in her even when she did not believe in herself. Sometimes, when our paths cross, we see the fruits of all that hard work!

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  6. Glenda Funk Avatar
    Glenda Funk
    August 1, 2023

    Joanne,

    This is a gorgeous story and exactly what we should all strive to be—kind. I worry there are students who didn’t think I was kind. I’ve listened to many talk about how their teachers don’t care. It’s such a sad commentary. This morning I had a lovely conversation w/ a former student who went out of her way to speak to me at the grocery store. It’s the kind of encounter I desire most.

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