My Favorite Teachers

Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones Deck prompts - Tell me about a favorite teacher.

My favorite teacher, who was in my life for about fifteen years, was a fourth-grade nun. She was constantly moving her fingers on the larger rosary she had hanging at her side. She shared stories of her marriage to Jesus. She gave me bookmarks with stories of the saints.

I don't remember a nun from previous grades, even though they were my teachers, I have no distinct memories. That year, my dad died on my birthday, in January, and she was there for me the rest of that school year, and as pen pals for a while after. As an adult, I introduced her to my children. When she went into a nun's retirement home, we lost track.

I have her school picture type photo on my desk with photos of my mother and sister, and cousin who are also deceased now.

Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones Deck prompts - Maybe a formal teacher, someone in school - a teacher of math, gym, science, Chinese language? But "a teacher" can cover a vast territory - someone who taught you how to walk dangerous city streets, make bouquets, lay flagstone, garden. Someone who taught you to say "I'm sorry" or "thank you" or "goodbye." How about a spiritual teacher, a therapist, a divorce lawyer? Go at least ten minutes.

Other teachers that I remember well. My piano teacher was for just a short time when I was eleven years old. She was someone in our neighborhood. Practicing at her house was fun. We didn't have a piano, but my mother would have loved for me to be able to play the piano or any instrument.

Then in school, I played violin and clarinet both for a short time. If I picked up any of those three instruments, could I play them? Highly unlikely, since I haven't picked them up again after setting them down. The good news is that I love music. All music. I have continued attending symphony performances, opera, and all other musical performances.

I have always had the opportunity to see medicine people while growing up and as an adult woman. I have been so impressed with their ability to help in so many different ways, and with so many different things. Truly gifted healers.

They have taught me, over and over again, to believe in our Anishinaabe ways. Family first, then reaching outside to other healers. Other spiritual or traditional healers have helped me as well.

A good friend, and traditional healer, would take me into the sweatlodge when I was afraid my SVT (heart would start beating at 210 beats per minute) and I would have to go to the hospital to have it converted. She said in a calm and understanding voice. Come in with me and I will fix it.

It would start as heat could start it, but it would always convert in a short time. She knew what to do to fix it. I learned to trust our healers. They are human too, so it was important to know who to go to and who not to go to, also. The same as the regular medical profession.