The wedding was over. It was reception time. The last thing on my mind was my former career. I used to be a teacher.

Want to know an interesting fact about retired elementary teacher? Adults you have a vague idea you should know come up to you and say, Hi Mr. Ellis, I was in your 4th grade class. The real soaker is, Hi Mr. Ellis, remember me?”

To fully understand my dilemma, let me give you one important fact. The former student, now adult, was a 9- or 10-year-old child when I knew them as teacher. Immediately after their 4th grade year every student of mine proceeded to GROW UP and become adults. See the problem I have? When we grow up, our features change.

But do not misunderstand, it is a high honor for former 4th grade students to take time to tell me I was their teacher back in their childhood days. Former students truly bless me when they identify themselves and relate that we spent 9 months of their life together.

Back to the wedding. Two young men came up to me. One asked a question different from the usual. He said, “Are you Mr. Ellis?” Having time to reflect on this question I realized I looked old. Perhaps, now the shoe is on the other foot?

But this is not the reason you should know this story. The two young men are brothers. One was in my class 17 years ago as a 5th grade student. His brother was in my class 15 years ago. The oldest is an architect, the youngest a helicopter pilot.  Remember, we are at a wedding. The reception was just getting underway. The young people, these young men included were enjoying a good time.

They stopped their celebrating to come and talk with me. They had something they wanted me to know. I am writing this narrative in order that you will know what they told me. It is that important. What they told me will have a positive influence on every child you know. It will have a positive impact on you.

What did they tell me that was so important?

They wanted me to know that taking them outside to explore a natural area every school day of the school year created a lasting memory for both. Said another way, time spent outside every school day was significant for them. The oldest brother illustrated the importance of being in an outdoor classroom by reciting the names of prairie glasses he still remembered and could identify-after 17 years.

They did not tell me how wonderful they thought I was as a teacher. I was not bothered or hurt. They told me about what they had retained. Isn’t this what successful education is about-retention? They told me their time spent outside was meaningful to them. The oldest related telling his wife about prairies when the two of them walked outside. That means he shares his experience.

Two brothers took time to tell me this during a wedding reception.

They reminded me of a wonderful truth: time spent outside is never wasted.

When will you be outside next?