Additional Coverage:
- When I was in Kindergarten, my teacher invited the whole class to her wedding. She taught us how to behave, and it’s a memory I still have. (newsbreak.com)
Danielle Lum, a 59-year-old resident of Honolulu, recently served as the officiant at a relative’s wedding. This occasion brought back memories of the first wedding she ever attended—her kindergarten teacher’s. Lum, along with her young classmates, had prepared rigorously for their beloved teacher’s special day when they were just kindergarteners in 1969.
Lum recalls how her teacher, Miss Loui—a warm, nurturing figure who was likely just starting her teaching career—extended an invitation to her entire class of about 25 students. Each student was allowed to bring one parent due to the limited space in the small church venue. Lum remembers how Miss Loui carefully explained the event and prepared the children on how to behave, teaching them basic etiquette such as greeting others, handshake protocols, sitting quietly, and the importance of not giggling during the ceremony, especially during the kiss at the altar.
The teacher took the time to tell the children what to expect, from the priest’s talk, which she gently warned might be somewhat dull, to the specifics of the refreshments—only one sandwich and one cookie each. Lum admired her teacher’s bold move of inviting all her students, acknowledging that while it carried risks of potential mishaps, it was a memorable gesture that resonated with the children.
On the wedding day, the classroom’s solidarity was visible as everyone, dressed meticulously, gathered in the church. Miss Loui, who was stunning in her bridal attire, managed to share a moment with Lum by winking and smiling as she walked down the aisle, reinforcing the special bond she shared with her students.
Over the years, this extraordinary wedding day remained a cherished memory for Lum and her classmates, often reminiscing about their teacher, now Mrs. Chang, and the ingrained lesson that compassion and a personal touch can leave lasting impressions on young lives.
The reunion with Mrs. Chang more than two decades later, where Lum was recognized instantly, nostalgically brought her back to her five-year-old self, underscored the lasting impact a teacher can have beyond mere academic lessons.