I began my educational journey in a kindergarten classroom with Diane Carnes. She was a very soft spoken, kind hearted, caring teacher. I met my first best friend in that class: Becky Sifton. Twenty years later we’re still the best of pals. Mrs. Carnes insisted her class participate in an organized Christmas program, but I was scared. I overcame my stage fright. With great persistence and understanding she convinced me I could do it. So I took the part: “C is for Christ Jesus who was born on Christmas Day.” I will never forget Mrs. Carnes.
My first grade teacher Helen Wilder instilled in me the elementary skills of writing. I once composed a story in her class explaining that I was at a Wednesday night church service and Jesus didn’t finish my homework for me while I was gone. She thought that was wonderful. She believed I had potential even as a little girl. We still talk about my story every time we meet. Little does she know how much her confidence and pride in my work has encouraged me.
I was in the greatest fifth grade class with Betty Bryant. She was so friendly and always upbeat. Every morning she told stories of waking up at 4 a.m. to work out with professional aerobic trainers on television. Ms. Bryant designated me to grade Friday’s spelling tests for all her students. She trusted me. She believed in me. She was my buddy.
Three special teachers come to mind when I think of middle school: Rod Wallace, Teresa Williams and Sherry Skaggs. I joined choir in the seventh grade when Mr. Wallace was the director. He chose me as his personal assistant. We planned field trips, organized events at the auditorium, and ran the school’s detention program, together. At the end of the year he presented me with a chorus leadership pin at our award’s ceremony. I thought the world of him.
Ms. Williams was my history teacher. Several students warned me she was too rough, but I developed a different opinion. She challenged me. She held a high standard and when I met those standards, she praised me.
Mrs. Skaggs is probably the most patient teacher I’ve ever encountered. She taught algebra my eighth grade year and I was not a math fan. As I struggled to maintain good grades in this subject, she was always available to help. We had tutoring before the bell rang and study group after school. She explained the same equation to me at least ten times a day. Mrs. Skaggs was unbelievable.
Freshman year I was loaded with pre-college curriculum (PCC) courses. The only break I had was home economics with Phyllis Higgins. She was an extremely humble, Christian woman with a heart as big as Texas. Mrs. Higgins counseled me through several personal issues. She was always waiting with open arms and great advice. I signed up for every class Mrs. Higgins offered. She is credited for teaching me how to cook, how to sew and how to love.
Along PCC guidelines I enrolled in an advanced science: Human Anatomy and Physiology. Class was conducted by Sandra Dillman — a sincere, honest, fabulous teacher. We nicknamed her “Mama D” because she continually took us under her wing. She had the solution to any problem, always approaching things with her own experiences. They say with age comes wisdom and “Mama D” was very wise.
I came to know Kathye Green first semester of my senior year. Ms. Green taught me everything I know about English. She returned to the basics and stressed proper punctuation, an extended vocabulary and how to relate your own ideas through writing. She shared some of her favorite books with the class. I would sit captivated as she read, like I was a little kid again. As we came to know each other, Ms. Green wasn’t just my teacher, she was my friend.
Appropriately enough there are people I have idolized since birth. My Mommy (Joyce Miracle) being the first. Words could never truly express the way I feel about her or the relationship we share. Pages couldn’t contain the 25 years I’ve spent with this beautiful, intelligent, extraordinary woman. As a child Mom was my mentor. She has taught me everything I know. Mama raised me with a stern hand and strong Christian values. Forever putting me first with only my best interests at heart. Upon entering into adulthood she has been my best friend, my only friend a lot of times. When the world fell down around me, Mama was there. When I needed a shoulder to cry on, it was Mama’s. Her advice has proved itself over and over again. There have been times I know I’ve disappointed her, but she never faltered. She loved me through it all and packed my burdens just the same. Mommy, you are the most astounding person to ever touch my life. Without question you have stood by my side. You are the reason I am here. I thank God that he has blessed me with someone as wonderful as you are. Forever, your baby girl!
My uncle “Wayne-e” (Wayne Fuson) is a fabulous man. He has been my neighbor since I was five, but he was my buddy long before that. As an only child, I often needed a playmate — he was my number one choice. Wayne-e played ball. Wayne-e played Barbie. It didn’t matter to him as long as we were spending time together and I was having fun. He’s never forgotten my birthday and never forgotten me at Christmas. With him being a carpenter by trade I’ve collected some pretty unique gifts over the years. He even brought flowers to the house on Mother’s Day this year. I watch Wayne-e with my little girl and it’s a flashback to my childhood. Nothing about him has changed. I don’t know where I’d be without you, Wayne-e. I love you.
Mo (Becky Sifton) there is no way I could write this column without including you. We’ve been friends through it all. I have had some of the best, tear-jerking laughs with you and sadly, I’ve cried uncontrollably at times too. You have never let me down. Always there when I need to talk, when I need to gossip, when I need a friend. Know that you are a beautiful person! You’ve shown me commitment that very few friendships endure. We weren’t just buddies in high school — You are my friend to the end, tried and true. Your entire family has embraced me as one of their own. “Brenda-Brenda” you’re like a second Mom. You’ve praised me for my achievements and pushed me back in line when I needed it most. Mo, I love and adore you.
Concluding this message, I guess I’ve saved one of the very best for last. Tooter (Todd Fuson) you are my hero! I have strived to be just like you since we were kids. I used to love waking you up on Saturday morning to play army or draw fish pictures. I always wanted my picture to look as good as yours. Through your high school football career, I followed every game. I was so proud to say that’s my cousin, that’s Todd Fuson #55. As we got older I wanted a four wheel drive. You had one. And that made it cool. My Jeep purchase gave us one more reason to hang out and make memories together. I remember taking your Dodge to Cannon Creek, what were we thinking? It was a blast! Often times you’ve been my comforter. I knew when you were with me, everything else was going to be all right. You’ve been my protector. I hope you know how much you mean to me. You really are my hero!
My only desire is that I, in turn, make all of you proud!
Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.
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