Over the last three years I have gotten a large number of emails and letters from my extended family...my kids from Cooper. If you are reading this and weren't one of my students, I'm afraid this will seem like so much drivel. If you were one of my students...well, you know me well enough to know how to interpret this letter. Most of the correspondence I have received has gone unanswered. Please accept my apologies. The decision to leave Cooper and quit teaching for a time was heartbreaking. I had left Cooper to focus on the needs of my family and the last three years have been very difficult. However, not a week has gone by that I haven't thought of my students and my time as your teacher. I have treasured the letters I have gotten as they have confirmed my strongest beliefs, wishes and prayers for your happiness and well-being.

Believe it or not, I intend this letter to be brief and to the point. Trust that I remember you and that I believe in you. The sum of my experience as a teacher cannot be measured in terms of numbers. It's value to me is immeasureable. You have all humbled me by what you gave me. The most important thing that I can say now (or then) is simply...thank you.