Vazquez Counseling

Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

My Mom passed away when I was 11 years old. It was a rough time for my Dad, my three brothers, and my little sister. We were left without our great Mom, who had taken very good care of us. I remember her praying fervently to our LORD, that He would take care of us. Three years later, my Dad found and married our wonderful second Mom. We would be okay, thanks to our LORD’s faithful provision.

During the two years that my Mom was sick, our LORD sent a wonderful teacher into my life, Mr. Henry. In 5th grade, he was my teacher, which was when Mom initially got sick. I remember Mr. Henry being the kindest teacher I ever had. Every day, after lunch recess, he would turn down the lights and read “Where The Red Fern Grows” to us. Mr. Henry knew that we were tired and sweaty from running around and playing during lunch recess, and we needed to rest before he could teach. He would encourage us to close our eyes, put our heads down on the table and just listen to him as he read from this wonderful story. I remember clearly that those story times helped calm my heart, as my Family was starting to navigate Mom’s illness.

The next school year, I would enter junior high school at a different school for my 6th grade. When I walked into my class that year, I was surprised that Mr. Henry was my teacher again. I firmly believe that our Blessed LORD was watching over me, and He sent Mr. Henry into my life for such a time when I needed stability in my life.

Again, Mr. Henry would have us rest after lunch recess, and again, he would read “Where the Red Fern Grows” to us. I needed that quiet time of our teacher reading to us to tune everything out. Mom was getting sicker every day, and as a child, I didn’t really know how to process what was happening to my Family.

In November of that year, Mom passed away. I grieved as a child would, unsure of what the future held for my Family and me. At Mom’s funeral, everyone was understandably sad for my siblings and me and our Dad. I clearly remember the thought that kept running through my head, I will see Mom again at the Resurrection. I was as positive about that fact as I was certain of my own existence. Mom and Dad had instilled in us a great faith in God, and His presence has always been a great comfort to me.

I missed one week of school when Mom passed away. When I went back, Dad walked me into class. I remember being so sad and clearly seeing the compassion of all my classmates on their faces. I remember Dad talking with Mr. Henry who offered Dad his condolences. After Dad left, Mr. Henry kneeled next to my desk and looked intently into my eyes, and with much kindness, told me that if there was anything I needed, to make sure I let him know. I was sad for a long time after that, but I learned to depend on my Heavenly Father that year. At the end of my 6th grade year, I knew my Family and I would be okay because we were in God’s hands.

God has always taken care of me. In my 5th and 6th grades, He sent Mr, Henry into my life, and he was the most influential teacher I ever had.