Though this WestJet flight attendant was overcome with emotion while thanking her favorite teacher over the intercom, there is no doubt she touched her special teacher’s heart as well!
In this Inside Edition report, we meet Lora Caruso. Lora is a flight attendant who unexpectedly recognized her “favorite teacher ever” on the flight she was working on National Teacher’s Day. How about that for a coincidence?
Lora warns guests that she’s going to get emotional during her announcement, and then she goes on to say that she has seen Miss O’Connell for the first time since 1990! She’s on the flight, and Lora simply has to publicly recognize her after all of these years!
Lora tells all of Miss O’Connell’s fellow travelers that Miss O’Connell was her English and music teacher in high school. Lora credits her teacher for helping her develop a love for Shakespeare and a desire to play the piano. Those alone are two pretty impressive accomplishments!
What’s more, is that Lora didn’t just learn to play the piano; she got a Master’s Degree in piano! Lora says that she can also write an essay, which, unfortunately, is not always mastered. But, Miss O’Connell’s positive impact on Lora may go well beyond what she instilled and gave to Lora.
The video continues as Lora runs down the aisle of the aircraft to give Miss O’Connell a big hug. When Miss O’Connell tells Lora that she’s made her day, Lora tells her that she’s made her life!
Near the end of the video, the Inside Edition reporter speaks to Lora about their touching reunion. Lora shares a yearbook photo of her beautiful, inside-and-out teacher, and then she says something interesting.
Lora says, “she saved me from so much.” While that statement isn’t explained, it’s safe to assume that Miss O’Connell was a role model and a guiding force to Lora during those critical years!
Teaching is extraordinarily hard these days. It’s a shame we often don’t recognize the wonderful impact of teachers and educators until many years later, but how nice it would be to share that love and appreciation with present-day professionals—those making a difference in kids’ lives every day.
Thank you, Miss O’Connell, for doing such a fine job, and thank you, Lora, for telling her so!
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Philemon 1:7