Nice bob! and a beautiful little story.
I had a pretty cool teacher ( during the last 3 years of primary school ), she allowed me to write stories with illustrations on the side, in notebooks that I specifically used for that purpose ( I still have them, 3 decades later ). I spent time on these, in school, when I had finished my other tasks.
I got back in touch with my teacher, Barbara, 2 years ago, to send her a signed copy of a(n illustrated) book I'd finished. She was happily surprised and said she still recognizes my style and was looking forward to my future books. Felt good.
Thanks so much for your visit!
It's probable that Ms. Barbara recognized your talents at that young age and had enough foresight to encourage them. Those formative years are so important. When you first mentioned those stories with illustrations I was thinking you should compile them in a book and bam!....next paragraph you have sent her a finished book, and signed at that! As good as you felt, you most likely made her feel even better knowing how much of an impact she made in your life. Good times!!