My daughter has one particular teacher, we’ll call him Mr. D.
We love Mr. D. She had him freshman year of high school for British literature (where she brought him Shakespeare cookies) and again sophomore year for American literature, where alas there was little Shakespeare in the curriculum but not only did he tell me (during parent teacher night) that he’d be sure to point it out in Huckleberry Finn (true!), he also managed to work in some Julius Caesar (although I’m still not sure how).
My wife and I were both looking forward to our second child, who’ll start at this school in the fall, having the same experience. And then our son after that. The man’s been at the school over forty years, he’s one of those fixtures you just think will be there forever.
Only he won’t be, because he’s retiring this year.
We went to his retirement party, we said our thank yous and our congratulations, and my daughter promised that he’s invited to her book signing when she’s published.
I wanted to put an extra little something out there into the universe, just because. I don’t expect he’ll ever see it, but you never know. My daughter would have been mortified if I’d told it to him in person, but I think it was a wonderful thing to say.
On the way to the party, my daughter said of her teacher, “I like Mr. D as a person. I have conversations with him. He’s my friend.”
To all the teachers out there, know that you’re appreciated.
Thanks, Mr. D. We’ll bring you Shakespeare cookies one last time.