Hello Everyone!
I can't believe that it is already April. This year is flying by. This last week has been insane because of finals before spring break. Last thursday night I received a call from my elementary school principal. She called to inform me that my fourth grade teacher who I was very close to was diagnosed with an inoperable heart to tumor. My principle informed me that this teacher was wanting to receive letters from former student. I drafted up a letter that night around midnight. After crying during the whole time I typed I finally had created something that I was satisfied with. Here is the rough draft of my letter. It is not finished yet. I feel it is missing something but I don't know what. Let me know what you think.
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Dear Mrs. Bullock,
It is Alli Rosenberger, writing to you as a 17-year-old young lady that is now a junior at Kamiak High School. I am so sorry to hear about your condition. It makes me so sad to know that someone that has such an incredible heart could have this big of a burden literally placed on it. This last week I have been reminiscing on all of the incredible memories that we created when I was in the fourth grade. The memories ranged from our field trip to the Seattle Underground to our valentines day boxes. These memories made me laugh so I though I would share them with you.
When I think of fourth grade in 2004 I immediately remember your wind chimes that you had placed in the northeast corner in your room. The simple quiet chiming sound that they emitted would quickly silence our classroom. I can still picture our job chart hanging on the wall. I used to have a small celebration when it was my turn to clean the computers. I remember the first day of school. Entering your classroom seeing a cup full of small gifts that you had put together for my birthday. But, these are all just simple classroom observation memories. It was the way that you interacted with us that really made a difference.
You had the most entertaining projects for us to do. I can vividly picture the day of our animal reports. I had chosen the flamingo. I was shaking, terrified as I walked up to present in front of the class. But, you gave me an encouraging smile that put my nerves to ease. I remember our pioneer project that Ally B. and I made. It was a sort of monopoly game made out of an Alfy’s pizza box☺ The valentines day boxes were incredible! When I close my eyes I can still see Abbey Miracles armadillo and Carston Curds Space Needle. I made a pink vending machine.
The most important thing that I learned from having you as a teacher was the value of relationships. Our class was probably one of the tightest classes that I ever had. We all got along relatively well. It was because you and Mrs. Wrobel pushed us out of out comfort zones and made us create bonds with everyone. I am looking at my yearbook right now and as I read each persons name I can remember a detailed fact about each person. Stephen S., he was incredibly intelligent and a champion at typing. He was able to type 30 words a minute which was mind blowing to me. Mercedes B., she was extremely shy but I remember seeing her smile every time that you said that you were going to read to us. Alec M., the whole female population’s crush. Jesse P. got a football monogrammed to her retainer because he was in love with football and she was in love with him☺
I am now starting to look at colleges and I am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I have always wanted to be an elementary school teacher and one of my teacher inspirations was you. Every time we would play school we would always fight over who got to be Mrs. Bullock. I always felt that you sincerely cared about me and what was happening in my life. I have tried to carry that sincerity with me so far in life. If I do become a teacher I hope that I can carry that love and care over to my future students that you displayed to us.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for caring for me and the rest of your students. You are an incredible woman and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you again,
Alli R.
