TELFAIR COUNTY, Ga. — Telfair County Elementary School kindergarten teacher Mrs. Diana Jones has gone above and beyond to make a special student of hers feel loved and supported while going through a difficult time.
The Bateson family wrote into 13WMAZ to thank her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Diana Jones for everything she did.
In January, Remi found out she needed emergency surgery to remove a softball-sized tumor.
"It was my first time having like a big ball, and it's been a long time from since I had it," Remi said.
Remi's mother, Samantha Stanley-Bateson, mentioned how it was a troubling time, but there was a village surrounding her and her daughter.
"Thankful for her village is what we like to call it," Stanley-Bateson said. "A beautiful moment in the midst of a tragedy, so it's hard for any parent but we're honesty grateful and blessed with how it's turned out."
When it comes to that village, kindergarten teacher Mrs. Jones did not hesitate to make Remi feel seen and supported.
"Starting in kindergarten, when they enter in my room, I want them to know that they are coming into a loving and nurturing environment," Jones said. "Remi has really helped me in my walk through life."
The family says Mrs. Jones visited while Remi was recovering. When she visited, Jones delivered "Get Well" posters from other students, and brought study plans to help Remi get back on track.
"She wasn't going to be left behind because of something she was diagnosed [with] and something that she was gonna have to struggle with for a few months or in the months to come," Mrs. Jones said. "I knew what we had to do."
On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Remi and Mrs. Jones were reunited and celebrated Remi's recovery.
Remi now attends Wheeler County Elementary School, where both her parents work. Her family says that while she's an hour away, Remi and Mrs. Jones are still close in each other's hearts.
"She's so great and most teachers don't really do that kind of stuff and it makes me really special," Remi said. "I feel really special, and it makes me feel really good."