A leader?

I remember in 5th grade a teacher named Mr. Haskins. Mr. Haskins was a former US Marine, and seemed the coolest and most generous person I ever knew. Once, on a day he was in uniform for some reason and he introduced me to someone (can’t remember).

He said “This is Jimmy – Jimmy is going to be a leader someday”.

Me. A leader someday.

Could he tell my mother?

I told her that he had said that. She said “Sure, he doesn’t know you like I do. If he knew you like I do he wouldn’t say that. He’s just being nice.”
Yes, there was a sudden burst of air leaving the balloon.