I spent this summer at home in Ireland catching up with old friends and doing plenty of horse riding. I know I haven’t blogged for AGES but I was reminded this morning of one particular chance meeting that makes me smile!
One morning after Sunday mass my old school teacher stayed behind to say hello. She is retired now but taught me from the age of 4 until I was 8 years old. She taught me lots of things not least of which the ability to read and write which when you think about it is the most amazing gift to give any child. I can’t imagine what a talent it must be to be able to impart that kind of knowledge. Ms. Griffin really was the loveliest teacher.
She was the first to teach me to knit. Well I suppose it was a dual pronged effort, Ms Griffin taught me the basics on Friday afternoons while Mom helped me with the tasks assigned and to be delivered the following Friday. On Friday afternoons the boys went to Master Callaghans room to “do art” and the girls took knitting tuition from Ms. Griffin. When I think about it now the feminist in my 6 year old self should have been appalled! While the boys created model ships and aeroplanes the girls knit scarves, teddy bears and sweaters! (I never quite completed the sweater, Mom got fed up and did it herself!)
Anyhoo….I met Ms Griffin after mass that day and I was so proud to tell her that not only had I found enjoyment in knitting again and always had a project of some sorts on the go but also that I had taught myself to crochet. I can’t wait to make a little trinket and send it to her to say thank you.
The nostalgic part of me thought this morning about the things I love to do and how grateful I am to the people who taught me to do them! I love my father for teaching me to fish and wish I had the opportunity to spend summer evenings at the river with him never catching anything, I love my uncle Frank for teaching me to cycle, I love my mum for showing me the pleasure that can be found in creating things, I love my brother for attempting (and failing) to teach me to love horses but it sunk in eventually – 24 years later and I love my Grandad for teaching me to love nature and thats just for starters!
Wow, thats particularly sensitive for a Friday lunchtime! Must be the weather 
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