Mrs. G and Me!

We all remember the earlier years of our lives. Whether it is friends from the neighborhood, college roommates, or our former teachers, when childhood friends reunite after years apart,they laugh, cry and remember. Visions of a favorite place to play or hide out during the heat of the summer, conversations of long lost love, or the carefree days of adolescence are all cherished memories of childhood that skip across your mind. People ask "what do you miss most about the younger years?" It's not so much that I miss it because I always approach each day as a new adventure. Mostly I miss friends, especially when there is going to be a gathering of those friends, and I cannot be there. A longtime patron of Fred's News as well as my most cherished friend had such a gathering this weekend. Because of the new demands of my career, we could not attend. Our friendship began many years ago, can't even remember how long it's been. We have both watched our children grow into adults with careers and families of their own. Her grandchildren have been like ours. As babies she would bring them into Fred's News and they were as much a part of the place as was she. To her grandchildren she is just Gramma, but to the children of Sprague she is Mrs. G. Every morning Mrs, G. would be at Fred's News for her breakfast. Children would stop by with their parents and say "Mrs. G is here!" I think they really thought she lived at the school, she was always there. Her day started early so that her "kids" would get the very best from her. A slight pretty woman who could control a class of talking and unruly second graders by just flipping the light switch, stood in the doorway, waiting and staring until all was calm. Never a spoken word until everyone's attention was on her, Mrs. G's look would turn to a soft, caring and dedicated woman determined to give every child her very best. Ask anyone that every passed through the halls of Sayles School while Mrs. G was there, they will say "She's the best!" Ironically, Mr. G is also a retired school teacher. He too is a soft spoken man with a wickedly dry sense of humor. His grandkids will tell you their favorite "Grampa answer" to the question' "Are we there yet?" "When the car stops and the doors open!" was his short and sweet answer! Although Mr. G did not work in the same school system as his wife, the Town of Ledyard was lucky enough to claim ownership. His ideals about teaching were similar to his wife's as was his dedication to his students. On this weekend of reminiscing about the "Good old Days", and what we miss the most, we missed our dear friends fiftieth anniversary celebration party. We wanted to be there, we've talked and laughed about you and yours and what a large part you have all played in our lives. So, simply put with all our heart...Happy Anniversary Edna & Art!