Years ago – okay – many years ago, when I was a teenager, the children in my 4 & 5 Year Old Bible Class called me, Ms. Courtney. I’ve changed names throughout the years, like Mrs. Sanders, Mom, and now Gammy. But, when I worked for the school system from 2000-2010, I was once again called Ms. Courtney by the children and most of the parents! Those now grown “children,” still call me Ms. Courtney, if I run into them in town, and it always makes me smile.
A couple of weeks ago, I realized that most of my co-workers, all call me, “Ms. Courtney.” (I guess they all got the memo!) I know that some people would brush them off and say, “We’re co-workers – you don’t have to call me, ‘Mam’ or ‘Ms.'” When I was a child, no one ever called an adult by their first name. You said, “Yes, Mam,” and “No, Mam, Yes, Sir” and “No, Sir,” but we’re becoming so casual in our dress and manner today, that those little signs of respect are becoming a thing of the past. How sad! I hate to hear a child answer an adult with “yeah.” So, it’s encouraging that this wonderful group of young people that I currently work with, were taught to respect others. Their parents did well! I’m not sure if it’s because I’m “so old” or if I’ve earned the title – either way, I’m honored to once again be, “Ms. Courtney.” God Bless, Courtney