VANCOUVER – Retired Special Education Assistant Patti Robertson always had a soft spot in her heart for Maple Ridge student Tia Delorme.
From kindergarten to Grade 4, Delorme was in the class where Robertson worked as an SEA. “I always just loved that little girl,” said Robertson. “She just loved to get hugs from me all the time.”
When she retired nine years ago, Delorme was in Grade 4 and wanted to give Robertson a gift to symbolize their special bond. She gave her a mini rose bush and apologized that it was looking a little wilted and may not survive long.
But that didn’t matter to Robertson.
And that’s exactly what she did.
On Tuesday Robertson showed up to Maple Ridge Secondary School (MRSS) and asked for Delorme to come down to the office.
Delorme now identifies as a male and goes by the name Jake.
Although they had not connected in years, Robertson said she first saw Delorme about three months ago at a community dinner with the culinary program at MRSS. She said she is thrilled they were able to see each other again as she has always thought about Delorme and how he was doing.
After a photo of Robertson and Delorme was posted on the MRSS Facebook page, with a short write-up about the flowers, Robertson said she has been overwhelmed with how many people have seen and shared the photo.
“I’m just blown away,” she said. “Who would have thought this would happen?”
Robertson said she hopes they continue to keep in touch and she will continue to nurture her rose bush.
“It’s over seven-feet tall now,” she said. “I call it my miracle rose.”
Robertson
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