Letter to Kay

                                                    


Dear Kay,

Although I didn't know you very well, I wanted to say 'thank you' for the gift you gave me.  You see, I had a rather rough teaching experience a few years ago and although I made it through that year as graciously as possible, I seemed to be fearful that I 'lost' the teacher I used to be.  After hearing of the suffering you went through and seeing your cheerful endurance as you pursued the career you loved, I now realize that I never really lost anything.  Rather, I just didn't recognize where I was on my path and your gift of courage has shown me that when we do what we love, our suffering (in whatever form it takes) needn't feel insurmountable.  I recognize that your courage came from your unwavering faith in God which was shown through every bit of small talk we ever had.  So I thank you, Kay, for that something of yourself that you left with me; for whenever I may hear your name or happen to think of you in the future, I will recall that COURAGE means I can be whoever God needs me to be.  May you rest peacefully in the arms of the One whom you so dearly loved and modeled to your students and faculty family.