I used to be a middle school teacher. I taught sweet, awkward teen boys and girls with learning disabilities. I found out last week that one of my students died. I am just starting to process it. He rolled his truck in Georgia. I googled his name and there was a picture of what was left of the truck. I have thought of him often over the years, so I wrote him a letter.
Dear Ryan,
I loved your sweet smile. You were always so polite and greeted me with a "Hi Mrs. Stream" whenever I saw you. You were such a laid back boy. Nothing ever ruffled your feathers much and I was grateful for that. You were my lighthouse on the Sea of Raging Hormones. You never complained about any of the work I assigned. What a breath of fresh air that was. Remember that time you fell asleep in class and I woke you up? You told me you had stayed up to watch WWF. When I told you to turn that crap off you laughed at me. I miss your laugh. I haven't seen you in 10 years Ryan, and I can only picture you as a 14 year old boy, but you were a 24 year old man when you died. You leave a wife and two precious sons. Your Joshua and Noah. Your boys. I assume they have Daddy's beautiful smile. I am praying for your little family right now. Oh Ryan, I hope somewhere deep down in your heart you knew that I loved you. You were one of my favorite students and I hope you knew.
I miss you, sweetie.
Love,
Mrs. Stream
3 comments:
It is obvious how much you cared about him and what a great teacher you are. Now those same qualities shine through in your life as a Mom. You are special!
I'm sorry, Carla. I wish there was something I could do.
You should consider sending this letter to his wife. I bet she would really appreciate it. Perhaps send it in a separate sealed envelope so she can read it when she's ready.
Awwww, sweetie.
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