Strange coincidence

I was surprized today with a strange coincidence. I was subbing this afternoon for a 3rd grade teacher and saw a woman at the homecoming pep assembly that seemed familiar. In thinking about it, I knew she was a mother of a little girl I had taught when I co-taught 3yr olds at Antioch. Mrs. Sparks. Her daughter, Emily, was the most notorious 3 year old. On open house, she ran away from Ms. Linda and I and was consistently testing our patience. I remember one time her parents offered her a kitten if she was good for an entire week. She was and got the kitten.
Anyways, I went up to her and asked if her name was Ms. Sparks. She recognized me immediately and said, "Emily still carries a picture of you and her in her wallet. She is in 7th grade now." I was shocked. She turned 13 today. That means it was 10 years ago that I made an impression on a little girl who is now becoming a woman. After the assembly, she approached me(Emily) and with an awkward and shy smile, she gave me a hug. I was so touched. We visited for a while and then I had to go back with the 3rd graders. After school, I introduced her to my kids and them to her. It was such a neat experience. Just another reminder that God always sees the future and that somehow 10 years ago, I made enough of an impression in loving Emily the way she was that she has carried a picture of me in her wallet all these years. Wow!! Wow!!
Overwhelmed is an understatement for how I feel. But knowing that I was able to help her grow up in some way and that I will be able to reconnect with her is cool. And, she still has the kitten. Her name is crackers and she has a thing for cats. imagine that!
Mom and Dad are headed this way for Nathaniel's birthday tomorrow. Chris and I are repairing his bike and Hannah is replacing his remote control car. I made him a root beer cake today and I have no idea what tomorrow holds. His friend joey's mom was in a car accident Tuesday night and they are struggling with all of that plus their other commitments. He probably wont' be able to come over. I guess we will figure it all out tomorrow!!
We are headed to Bridge Creek's homecoming football game tonight. We went to their parade last night, as Hannah was in the parade. It was fun. Looking forward to staying for the whole game this time! We play the wildcats, so I will have to be careful not to accidently say, "go wildcats," even though it is in the blood. :-)
Will write again soon!!