Mrs. Peterson,

Thanks is too small a word for all that I owe you. I’ve always felt that you deserve the credit for much of my success in later school years. You made learning fun, and realized that I needed extra responsibility to succeed. You stimulated my competitive nature in the best way and gently taught me that it wasn’t a good thing for little girls to leave the grounds of Yamhill Grade School and go into town alone at recess, even if they did have a dime to spend. Nor was it a good thing for a little girl to punch little boys who wouldn’t let her join their softball game, nor to swear at other little girls who took too long in toilet stalls. In other words, you turned me into a civilized, friendly child who could not only learn but learn well. I know now how different my school years might have been had it not been for your patience and teaching expertise. As you were at least middle aged all those years ago, I’m sure you’ve been gone from this earth for many years. But I hope there is a special place in heaven for teachers like you.

Sincerely,

Paula, age 70