Going through school wasn’t easy for me. Learning never came easy, and I had some major struggles. I dreaded most school days and went to the nurse’s office saying I was sick pretty often just to try and get out of school in my younger years. Certain years were worse than others because of teachers. Third and fifth grades were hell for me. I struggled academically and feared my teachers. I would never ever share their names, but I remember how awful those years were for me.

I want to remember the good years. I had some incredible teachers throughout my school years, but I have to say my most cherished was the second grade. I remember how kind my teacher was to me. She really helped me with my struggles and gave me the boost of confidence I needed to ask for help. She was as beautiful as she was kind. Her name was/is Mrs. Losch, and I went to Round Hills Elementary School.

At Christmas time, we got to make gingerbread houses, and I’ll never forget that. Mrs. Losch made learning fun, and I enjoyed school. (I honestly don’t think it was until I hit third grade that I really started hitting up the nurse’s office!) She was just one of those teachers who left a mark on you and truly helped you learn from her kindness and passion for her students. I never wanted the second grade to end.

It had been years, in fact, decades, since I had seen her. Sitting at Wegmans waiting for my prescription, I heard a woman’s familiar voice, so I looked up from my phone as I sat in the waiting chairs. I saw her and thought, “OH MY GOODNESS! I think that is Mrs. Losch!” She was speaking to the man sitting a few chairs down for me, and I decided to wait until they were done with their conversations to speak with her. I didn’t want to interrupt. (Maybe I should have raised my hand as I did in class! Haha!) Well, before I knew it, she had walked away. I knew I couldn’t leave because they were going to come out and get me for my prescriptions soon, and I had to be there. Thirty seconds later, the pharmacist came and grabbed me. I paid for my medication and six Greek yogurts and knew I had to go search the aisles to see if I could find her.

There she was in my favorite aisle of all — the cheese section. Don’t judge me; you know cheese is like my favorite food on the food pyramid! *enter cheesy smile here*

“Excuse me,” I said as she turned around.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said.

She thought she was in my way of the cheeses.

I said, “Oh no, you aren’t in the way. I have to ask. Are you Mrs. Losch?”

She looked at me, tilted her head like she should know me, and replied, “I am!”

“I thought that was you!” I replied. “I am Andrea Perry, now Andrea McElroy, and you had me in second grade. You were one of my favorite teachers!”

This next moment, I will cherish forever.

She remembered exactly who I was. Dropped everything and gave me the biggest hug! After we hugged, she placed her hand over her mouth and just kept saying this was a God thing. She couldn’t believe it!

She said, “Andrea, do you know how long I have been wanting to call or mail you a letter? I read your column every week and look forward to it. I just can’t believe it’s you! I feel like I’m meeting a rockstar! I’ve been wanting to tell you just how proud of you I am! And I must meet this husband of yours, see your children, and know more about your life. Your husband sounds like such a wonderful man!”

We talked in the aisle for about ten minutes before I had to get going, but before I left, she told me again just how proud she was of me. Not just for my writing — but seriously, shout out to Mrs. Losch for teaching me my first small words, like cheese. Haha!! But she was also proud of how I talked about the Lord and reached so many people. She also reminded me that I came to her house one day over the summer when I was at my Grammy Perry’s house in Southside! I guess she lived a few streets over. First off, I don’t know how in the world I didn’t remember this because, like my brother tells me, I remember EVERYTHING.

Mrs. Losch, you were one of those teachers who truly made an impact in my life, and I want to thank you. I had many wonderful teachers, and you are high on that list. Second grade was definitely, hands down, my favorite grade. You gave me so many wonderful memories in that classroom. My daughter, Kenzy, also loved second grade; her teacher was incredible. Mrs. Thompson still keeps in touch, and in fact, Kenzy is with her right now at a church sleepover. I love that she experienced the same thing as I did. I told her second grade would be awesome because it was mommy’s favorite grade! Now it’s hers too.

It is teachers like you that help children love to learn and be at school. Thank you for everything you taught me. You haven’t changed one bit! Do you even age? My goodness!

And thanks for saying you felt like you met a rock star/movie star. (I forget which one you said.) Coming from one of my all-time favorite teachers, that sure meant a lot. Having a past teacher tell you they are proud of you is so rewarding. Especially how much I struggled in school. But a rockstar who loves cheese!!?? I’ll take it!

It felt amazing seeing you again, and I can’t wait for you to come meet my family. Chat soon, Mrs. Losch!

Easy Blackstone Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:
• 2 lbs. of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 2 packs of McCormick’s Fajita Seasoning
• Red & green pepper, sliced
• Large onion, sliced

Directions:

Clean and cut chicken into chunks in a large bowl, add seasoning. Mix well until chicken is covered. Let sit for at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. The longer the better.

In the meantime, prep your veggies so they are ready to go too!

We love this recipe at the river and make it all on our Blackstone, but you can use the stove top of course, too! When cooking, add oil to the pan or Blackstone. Cook meat on one side and veggies on the other on medium heat. Surprisingly, cooking them together they cook about the same time. I just put salt and pepper on the veggies for seasoning. Cook until veggies are the way you want, and chicken is cooked through.

Serve with:
• Tortilla Shells
• Sharp Shredded Cheese
• Lettuce
• Sour Cream
• Salsa (if desired)

I also have fresh fruit and Tostito Scoops to go with it.

This is a great fast summer meal that the whole family will enjoy!