Yep! That’s my little mama, all 100 pounds and 90 years of her, up there a week ago on that stage grinning as the mayor officially proclaims it “Adele Mitchell Day” in the city of Starke, FL.
I’m proud enough to bust my buttons as she is honored with a beautiful “Legacy” award by the county school board for her years of excellent service as a teacher and champion of students. Particularly those who had fallen through the cracks of troubled homes. Many of whom Mama brought home with her to become part of our family until they could find their feet within their own.
No, teaching school was never all she did. She taught her students how to live. She nurtured people. It was not unusual for my sister and me to come home from school to find yet another middle school student (Mama taught Middle School Health for most of her nearly 30 teaching years) sitting at our dinner table. We welcomed him or her with open arms – sometimes for weeks and sometimes for years – and were blessed to end up with an extended family of dozens, most of whom keep in touch, even all these years later.
So at this point you must understand that despite the above paragraph, Mama is not a squishy, lovey-dovey, huggy kind of emotion-driven woman. Not in the least. She’s a tough cookie who expects you to toe (and often tow) the line. She always set the standard high and expected those in her care to stretch and reach and expand to their utmost to reach the bar.
And whadayaknow? They did.
That fact was evidenced by the exuberant crowd of her former students, now high achieving, successful, happy adults, that swarmed her after the award ceremony. She could scarcely take it all in.
So to those who turned out by the droves to make a little old lady feel special and appreciated, I give you my forever thanks. She left that building all aglow and basking in your love.
So tell me, BBFF (Blessed Blog Friend Forever), to whom in your life would you give a “Legacy” award?
P.S. To those of you who keep in touch via Facebook (if you don’t yet, let’s do!) and have sent your condolences and prayers for our family during yet another devastating loss this year, we are deeply appreciative. We just lost my brother-in-law who was cleaning his guns when one went off, killing him instantly. I will comment further on this later but cannot go there yet. Too fresh. Thought it best to push sorrow aside and celebrate life today. In the meantime, I’m leaning hard on Papa God and humbly request your prayers for my sister and her children.
Hey sweet sister,
What a precious mother you have!! And I can’t believe she’s 90 years old!! She certainly doesn’t look it!! What a blessing she is to all those around her!
My aunt (my dad’s sister) was also like that when I was growing up. She & my uncle has one son (Kevin) who had a lot of friends always at their house, and at least 1 weekend a month she would invite me & my sisters to their house to stay. Not only that, but during the summers our cousins from TX also came and stayed part of the summer with them. My sisters & I would stay several weeks as well visiting cousins & anyone else who came by. They are in their 70’s now but I still see them at least once a week. Thank you for sharing about your sweet mother. What a god-send she was to so many people…..& just think of the difference she made in their lives.
And I am so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. Words cannot express the sympathy or condolences I feel for you and his family. Praying extra hard for you all….
Love in Christ,
Amy
Sorry I couldn’t attend this recognition of one of the sweetest God fearing and beautiful lady’s I’ve ever know. Please give her a hug tell I appreciate all her prayers and love. Prayers for your family too during this trying time. Love all of you sweet girls. Proud to have watched you grow up and turn into beautiful adults. ?????
I am praying for your family…the Children’s Pastor, Pastor Ruth Wilson, and the 1st Lady (my Spiritual Mom) Sister Shirley Wilson…they both have a heart after God’s own heart.. They dobwhat they can to see others succeed.
Your mother is a special treasure! She has been a dear friend to me and my husband for nearly 40 years. I was so glad that she was honored by the BEF. She truly has left a legacy to many, many students and fellow teachers.
Continued prayers for all of your family as you face many challenging days.
Our love to all of you!
What a beautiful mother, teacher, and example. Proud for you and for her, Deb. Blessed you are, for sure.
Congrats to one of the most respected, Christ-like ladies. So many have been touched by her love whom we know she gets from Jesus Christ. A loving spirit so strong – can only come from our Lord Jesus. Thank you Mrs. Mitchell for touching my life and so many others!
What an amazing night. Her comments about Green Acres had me laughing the next day. You are so right about making us walk the line, but we loved her for it. Prayers to your family.
What an amazing woman and teacher! Congratulations to Mrs. Mitchell for this distinguished award and honor! Think of all the many lives she has touched over the years!!
We are so saddened to hear about such a big loss in your family and continue to be in prayer for all of you!