06 May Today, Living Oklahoma asked about favorite teachers on their fb page… I deci…

Today, Living Oklahoma asked about favorite teachers on their fb page… I decided to share about one of my top favorites and the impact she had in my life. I know, many, if not all -Pirates remember, MRS. LOIS THOMAS…my Journalism/Newspaper Staff Adviser teacher for 3 years at Putnam City High School. She was ahead of her time, extremely personable, positive and driven. She was very inquisitive and so polite, yet very direct about my size, 4'4" as a high school student meeting me in her class the first day. She later partnered with Dina Marie Aitken and I to write a feature story in The Pirate Log (school paper) about an experience I had the summer before my first year of high school…the experience was attending a Little People of America convention. At first I was hesitant to have a story focusing on my height since I hardly paid attention to it as I just thought of myself like anyone else, just shorter. Since I wasn't crazy about the idea, she asked if she and Dina Marie Aitken could just write the story and let me read it… I agreed and was encouraged and talked into letting the story be published in The Pirate Log. It was so well written; positive and true. I felt so vulnerable as a high school student does, even more so with putting and open book about my physical appearance difference out there among my peers. I did not want to stand out or be treated differently as most people didn't and I was comfortable that way. Sure, I was teased, but it seemed to me it was in fun and positive as well as, not always about my being short. The story was well received by many, teachers and my peers included in such a way I would want it to be! As a result of the story and the following, it gave me in an even more real and positive perspective about myself and others with -ANY- differences! Really, we are all different in our own way, mine just happens to be very a bit more obvious immediately. Lois Thomas and Dina Marie Aitken showed my human similarities too that I shared with my peers. The other thing about Lois Thomas, was her clever approach to fund raising for cancer. I have used the concept in other fund raising and causes I support. She would ask for any donation amount so everyone could give and be part of the movement…She was recognized many times for her dedication and her idea continues on within the PC Schools. Thank you Lois Thomas, my teacher and dear, huge-hearted, fun-tabulous friend, Dina Marie Aitken!!!!! 💕😀💕