What a sweet memory of an innocent time. I enjoyed learning more about you from this story. What a fabulous teacher your fortuneteller sounds like.

It tickles me that you checked out a book on etiquette in middle school. So practical! Of course, I relate to the head-in-the-clouds syndrome and to being a late bloomer!

Mrs. Garriot, my third grade teacher comes to mind as someone who helped me with her quick quips, like "If the world falls apart, we'll masking tape it back together." She had an answer for childhood anxieties that she delivered with such sureness that I don't ever remember feeling anxious in her presence.

As far as someone I've helped, I'll have to think more about that. I'd like to think I have, but nothing comes immediately to mind.

Thank you for sharing this lovely story.