My Hero...

Several years ago I read a book called Skellig to my fifth graders and coincidentally the author, David Almond came to Framingham later in the year. I got a bus and took the students to see him.   Twenty- two ten year olds sat in Barnes and Noble mesmerized and starstruck.  One student told me that he wasn't going to wash his hand because David Almond had shook it.  Authors can be heroes for young and old.   A Leap of Faith is one of my favorite books and Queen Noor of Jordan, has been one of my adult heroes.  Through her well crafted words she taught me what it means to be courageous, to be a strong woman.  She showed me that even in the face of loss, it is possible to go on and do good in the world.  I have long treasured my copy of her book so when I had the opportunity to see her in New York City at the Celebration of Teaching and Learning today there was no choice - I was on my way.  Queen Noor was gracious, intelligent, and inspiring; she did not let me down and although her security did not allow her to shake my hand it didn't matter; she spoke to me and yes, as you can see in my picture, here she is signing my book -- I will forever treasure that moment with my hero, Her Majesty Queen Noor.