One "thank you" = inspiration

Monday when I got to school one of my Photography 1 students was waiting outside the classroom door. As I approached, she reached out with her hands and I noticed she had tears as she came toward me. "Ms. Brock, I just have to say 'thank you, can I have a hug?"  I gave her a hug and asked her if somethings as wrong? why was she crying? She was very emotional but told me that on Sunday at her horse show her Grandfather was there and she showed him a print she made of her horse and he said it was really good and he was really proud of her. I told her that was wonderful and then asked why was she crying. She told me that her Grandfather always tells her that she has pipe dreams and that they will never come true, that she will never be that good or live up to her dreams. She kept saying, "I'm sorry, I"m really emotional but you just don't understand, I've never heard him talk to me that way so I have to 'thank you' Ms. Brock". The fact that he said her photograph was good and he was proud of her was something she never heard before. She kept wanting a hug so I hugged back. I was the one who needed the hug at this point and was touched by her experience and that she thought it was because of my class. I didn't know what to say other than, "That is wonderful and I"m so proud of you" I told her "you took the picture, you printed the picture, not me. I only helped and you are welcome".  Moments like this make me remember Mrs. Parkerson, my high school art teacher. She made me believe I had talent and that I should believe in myself at a time where I wasn't sure anyone else did. I always hoped I'd be a bit like her. Today made me feel like I am a bit like Mrs. Parkerson and that made my day.