Life sometimes places people in our path who contribute to our fulfillment, give us wise counsel or simply brighten up our days. These precious people are often just passing through, but sometimes they stay with us for a longer period of time. This painting is a tribute to one of them, a beautiful soul whom I've been lucky enough to know for several years now.

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I still remember our first meeting, when she explained to me how her kindergarten class worked, reassuring me like a mother bear watching over each of her precious cubs. I then had the chance to accompany her group on various school activities, enjoying watching her interact with her pupils. Everyone's well-being and safety was important to her, and I could see her desire to help them discover the beauty of the world around us.

 

This wonderful teacher is now moving on to another stage in her life: retirement. This painting is therefore a gentle remembrance, in which each of the blossoming flowers represents the students she helped to blossom, grow and open up to the world. I've deliberately painted some of the petals with a few imperfections, reminding us that no one is perfect and that there have certainly been many difficulties to overcome along the way. But it's when you look at the whole picture that you realize the magnitude and beauty of what has been accomplished.

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Many other beautiful souls have crossed my children's path, contributing in various ways to their development while enhancing their school journey, and engraving wonderful memories in my heart. To all you teachers, I blow on a magnolia blossom to send you each a gentle petal.