I thank Roger, my 7th grade biology teacher, for recognizing the special person I knew I was inside, and encouraging her to come out. The amazing thing is that you’ve continued to provide that encouragement for 40 years, never failing to see me as I am when I could not. Thank you, Roger – you’ve never failed me and you’re an amazing and generous soul.

Dear Tricia,

I’ve been thinking of how of I have come to my great place in the world. By great place I don’t mean a place of notoriety or material success, but success in becoming the person I wanted to become. When I think of all the people who have influenced me in my life, you are among the top.

You know, more than anyone else, the serious challenges I’ve faced in my life. You have always supported me and encouraged me to get through the most difficult things. I’ve learned that it is not the specific challenges that govern us, but how we respond to and overcome those challenges. For this I will always be grateful.

You are always kind, always seeking the good in others, always willing to sublimate your needs to those of others. As I move into this next chapter in my life, I feel so supported and loved and encouraged by you that I know I can do nothing but succeed.

You are a great sister, a great mother, and a great friend. Thank you for all the contributions you have made to me and my life.

With love,

Margaret

Clarence, I’ll always remember the last thing you said to me. It was after your retirement party, and I was both blown away and honored that you asked me to lead the prayer. There were a lot of folks from your church there. You let me work for two years with no supervision—the ability to find clients through the organization helped me professionally and I think, the folks I worked with. You knew the difficulties I would face and would face in the future, but when you looked me in the eye, held on to me hand, and said, “Don’t ever stop doing what you’re doing. Keep on doing it,” has helped me through many down down times. It wasn’t long after that you were gone, but your words and kindness will always be with me.