The holidays are almost over (thank goodness) and we have one more week of vacation. Instead of heading out someplace fancy the family and I will stay home. I have chosen to embark on a dreaded, long overdue project…organizing the family photos (more about this tomorrow). While looking through many boxes of photos I came across a box of letters and cards.

The box has birthday cards from when I was a child. Letters from my friends in college. Love notes from my husband and dozens of other miscellaneous items. While glancing through the box when I noticed a good-bye letter from a co-worker. It was a good-bye card which my she changed to a good luck card.  I had forgotten I even saved it.

The card was written by my friend Mary when I left my job as a lead preschool teacher to move to San Diego. Mary was a lead teacher in a different classroom. She was a wonderful teacher and friend. Her good-bye card is beautiful. I know I read it many years ago, twenty-two be exact, but reading it today was very special. I thought I would share it with you.

Nate, (My students and co-workers always called me Nate or Miss Nate)

Occassionly in our lives we are fortunate to met people who possess special qualities that make them memorable to us. You are one of these special people. Your honesty, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm are truly a gift to the people who surround you. But it is the children’s lives who you so dearly and gently touch with your love.

May you always have children surround you.

God Bless You,

Mary

Re-reading this letter could not have come at a better time.  The New Year is soon upon us and I have been filled with dread making new resolutions.  I haven’t found my ‘thing’ yet with regards to a career.  I haven’t set any goals, but would like to feel I am moving in some sort of direction.  This letter brought tears to my eyes.  Mary reminded me of the children I used to care for many years ago.  How little they were and how big they must be now.

I wish I could shake the doubt I still feel at times.  The uncertainty of what I am doing and what to do next.  It comes in waves.  Over the holidays I seem to dwell more on what I’m not than what I am. I suppose a lot of people do this.

Here is my letter letter to Mary, if I ever find her again.

Thank you, Mary.  I haven’t spoken to you for many years, but your kind words have sunk deep in my heart.  The way you described me is how I have always wanted to be remembered.  Finding your letter was like finding buried treasure.  A precious gift that will make me smile every time I read it.

Love,

Nate