This post has been a long time in coming. For months, I have been struggling to come up with just the right words to convey what Ms. Madalaine meant to our family. I’m not sure I’ll ever find just the right words, but it’s long past time to share some memories, and to express my thanks that she was part of our family’s life. Ms. Madalaine taught both of my girls. When my oldest daughter first started attending preschool, it was obvious that I was apprehensive about leaving my daughter in anyone’s care but my own. Madalaine assured me that my daughter would bond with the teachers – even cautioned me that some parents can feel a little jealous when they see the bonds that their kids form with their teachers. Well, both of my kids did bond with Ms. Madalaine, and it brought me not a feeling of jealousy, but a great sense of relief. The transition to preschool (even half time) was not an easy one, but knowing that I was leaving my kids with someone who loved them and cared about their emotional development made a huge difference. I was always grateful for the comfort that Ms. Madalaine brought to my daughters, but when I heard the news that she had passed away, it really sunk in just how much of a comfort she had been to me, personally. I miss her presence and the talks we used to have at pickup time. My girls still talk about her often and tell me they miss her too. They still sing the songs that “only Ms. Madalaine knew.” Our time with Ms. Madalaine was cut short, but we will always treasure our memories of her.