HAGS

            “Here Mrs. Jones.  Sign my yearbook.”

            Naomi slid her yearbook across the table to me, and I slid my yearbook across to her.  It was the last day of school and 200 sixth graders gathered in the locker area exchanging yearbooks during the last hour before they left.  I opened Naomi’s book and began writing.

            Dear Naomi – It has been a wonderful year getting to know you.  I am proud of all your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you next year.  Mrs. Jones

            I slid the book back to her and watched her smile as she read.

            “I did learn a lot this year.  I’m proud of me too.”

            I opened my yearbook to see what Naomi had written to me.

            Dear Mrs. Jones – Your a graet teacher Your nice and sweet and really smart.  HAGS  Naomi.

            HAGS? 

            I still have an old-fashioned flip phone and haven’t entered the world of texting. 

            “Naomi, what does this mean?”

            She took my book and wrote some more.

                        H         A          G         S

                        a                      o          u

                        v                      o          m

                        e                      d          m

                                                            e

                                                            r