Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

She sounds like a super teacher, one that we could use more of. Some people are born for their career's, teaching children is a gift that shouldn't be abused, but often is. It's the same with nurses and anyone who is involved with the vulnerable in life. I look forward to reading more of your experiences. :) Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

You are so right about that, Sandra! But, thankfully, the ones who are good far outweigh the ones who aren't. Thank you for this lovely review today. I always love your feedback. xo

Comment from susand3022

Exceptional

Hi Rachelle, I knew I fanned you for a reason! This is wonderful, I'm going to love this book! I don't know if you know it or not but I used to work with the sweetest little boy named Otie (there's a poem about him with a picture in my portfolio). I learned more about love and patience than in my entire life, working with Otie. What an angel. A great write. :)

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

I'll check that out, Susan; thanks for the tip. Yes, children are the best gifts ever bestowed. They bring us as much wisdom as they do joy. I absolutely love this review. Thanks for the generosity of that sixth star. xo

Comment from 24chas

Exceptional

What a great story, Rachelle. And how true. Your story was amazing. You are so gifted to be a music teacher,singer, and a great writer. Amazing. I'm sure you've had lots of experience that I can't find out about. Whatever happened to Jesse?

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

Ann and I still wonder about that to this day and hope we'll just get lucky and run into him someplace. We'll tell him the impact he made on our lives.

Thank you for the warm review and the sixth star, Chas. xo

Comment from Debra White

Exceptional

Hi Rachelle :)
This is so well written - engaging, well paced and descriptive.
I also found it very relatable.
I meet 'Jesse' every single day at work...he doesn't have an easy time and he doesn't always choose to behave the way he does.
The quote you concluded your chapter with is the truth.
I will be following this book... can't wait for the next chapter.
Best wishes as always, Debra :)

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

I need a million zillion more you's in my life, Debra - so encouraging and kind. And the world needs a million zillion more invested educators like you, as well. Thank you for this lovely review. xo

Comment from HealingMuse

Excellent

Hi Rachelke,

This is a terrific story you have shared, with a great lesson in empathy and compassion. I concur that intention is everything.

Kids need this sort of insightful mentoring and, sadly, a good many are not privy to such.

Thanks so much for sharing, my friend.

Jan


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 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

It's important to 'get the word out.' Thank you for your warm and thoughtful review, Jan. xo

Comment from Tedd Turton

Excellent

Oh...such wonderful writing Rachelle Allen. The subject matter of course is of the upmost importance. Thanks for posting, because this was a great little read on a Sunday afternoon. The love you feel is expressed so clearly, and the best thing is that it's your life. I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but I must get to read the whole book. Great work. Best Wishes, Tedd Turton

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 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

Oh, Tedd, how you have just made my morning (because there it may be a Sunday afternoon, but here it's still Sunday early morning) with your warm and generous review. I couldn't appreciate your words more. xo

Comment from jenintorre

Exceptional

I really enjoyed reading this excellent story about a portion of your life which I found so interesting. This story is very moving. I don't usually review stories only poems as my attention span is not great but this had me gripped from start to finish. Take care. Jen. X

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

This is the sweetest of reviews and has warmed me to my core. Thank you for this very much and, of course, the sixth star. You are always such a source of encouragement for me. xo

Comment from LisaMay

Exceptional

This gave me a lump in my throat. You write so engagingly I was right there in the class room watching this tableau unfold. What a lucky class to have that empathetic teacher. Her understanding and compassion were skills worth witnessing and taking on board. and I am glad Big Brownie was a robust rat. Your last line is so true about who 'deserves' love... same for animals as well.
I note your story title is nearly the album title, "Songs in the Key of Life", from Stevie Wonder's release in 1976.
I request some information... I note that this story is the prologue of a book. I am thinking of writing a book. What do you have to do when posting? How does it differ to posting a short story?

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

Ann is the best educator I have ever known. It was the luckiest moment of my entire life to have been paired with her. Thank you for saying that about her empathy. I will share this post with her. xo

Thank you, also, for the six stars. It was a great way to begin this sharing of my most personal writing project.

About your questions for posting a book, I private-messaged you the answer. xo