I responded, "Sure" but I was wondering.....what is this? He then explained that he and his wife had a young student in their classroom, during the school year and summer, that carried around a notebook full of fashion drawings. He asked her which one was her favorite. She showed him this dress. He asked if could take a picture of it. She let him take the photograph.
He told me that he was trying to think of someone to make this. He then thought of a childhood neighbor who worked for Vera Wang for a long time and now lives in Italy. Then he thought, "I am thinking too hard" how about my sister Jane.
He didn't mention this to anyone because he wanted to make sure it would happen. When he finally told his wife she got a little tearful, she was so happy that he thought of this project. They didn't tell anyone what they were doing but did ask a teacher assistant to make up a story to get her measurements for me.
I told him I didn't know how quickly I could make this happen but I was so excited I got it done before school.
We brought the dress with us to Northern Minnesota over labor day and they were able to give it to her during the fall school opening.
He has it on video but the quality is not good. There were other teachers and her mom in the room with them. He started with, "Do you remember when I asked you about your favorite dress design and if I could take a picture of it?" She said, "Yes." He then said, "Well, my sister made that dress for you." She said with excitement, "What?" She ran to the door he went to with excitement and was over joyed when he took it out of the room where it was hidden.
It was so neat and really everyone that was involved was pretty emotional. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful, emotional experience for a young lady that lives outside of tiny town in Northern Minnesota.
My brother and sister in law are also a great example of kind, caring teachers that often go the extra mile for their students even though they have a great deal going on in their personal lives.
There are so many teachers out there that do little things like this that don't get noticed or recognized. Please give the teachers of your children a compliment and a thank you here and there because they work hard and they love your kids more than you know.
A picture of my sister in law (Dori Hall), my brother (Mark Hall), the young lady and her mom. As you can see by the hug she is giving the dress she was pretty happy. And boy....does this make me happy. I wasn't sure about permission so I am not showing the young ladies face but she is smiling.
Once again I thank my FACS profession for giving me the skills to be involved in this story.
With love from your retired FACS teacher.
Jane
