Teacher’s act of kindness leaves mark

WASILLA — It’s been a couple of years since Ava Hays was in kindergarten.

But an act of kindness on the part of her former kindergarten teacher at Tanaina Elementary has made memories for the second-grader and her family that will last a lifetime.

Ava was in the hospital in Seattle recovering from a July 11 surgery to straighten her spine when a big red bag arrived for her from her favorite teacher, Austin Grimes.

Grimes has taught kindergarten at Tanaina for the last six years. She taught Ava’s sister, too.

“Her older sister had her a couple years earlier, and I hope her younger sister has her as a teacher when she gets into school,” said Ava’s mother, Amber Hays.

Already a favorite, the Hays family has another reason to hold Grimes in high esteem. Inside the red bag was an American Girl doll named Kit that helped comfort Ava during her recovery.

Ava and Kit returned from the Seattle hospital a couple of weeks ago and are recuperating at home now, her mother said.

Before her surgery, Ava said her family visited an American Girl store in Seattle. Thousands of miles away, Grimes was looking at American Girl dolls, too.

“I was looking online. I said to myself, ‘I bet Ava would like that one,’” the teacher said.

Before a nurse started another painful round of poking and prodding, Ava’s parents walked in with that big red bag. When she saw the doll inside, her mother said it was love at first sight. And they immediately made room in Ava’s bed for Kit.

“Seeing Ava that surprised and happy meant so much. Ava told every doctor and nurse that came in about her new doll from Mrs. Grimes and she found comfort,” Amber Hays said.

Ava’s spinal realignment has led to excruciatingly painful rehabilitation, her mother said. Her new doll has been a welcome distraction from the pain.

Now Ava said she’s sure she wants to grow up to be a teacher and take over Mrs. Grimes’ kindergarten classroom.

When school starts, don’t be surprised to see Ava playing with Kit in Grimes’ classroom once classes are out for the day.

“The world needs a million more teachers like Mrs. Grimes. Not because she sent Ava a doll, but because she cared when she didn’t have to,” said Amber Hays. “Ava will never forget her and neither will we.”

Contact intern Tim Rockey at 352-2252 or tim.rockey@frontiersman.com.