Notes From Public School - Day 115

This is a story from several years ago.

It’s been on my mind and in my heart today.

Here it is.

I love to get letters. 

Real ones written on paper with a pen.

When I was a little boy, I lived on a long, straight street where I could see the mail truck coming from way down the road. 

When the mail person stopped in front of our house, I’d run with hope in my heart and wings on my feet down our front walkway, between our two maple trees and across that street to our mailbox. 

Would there be a letter for me? 

Was anyone in the world thinking of me?

One day last year, it wasn’t the mailman, but a second-grader on the school playground, who delivered a letter to me. 

I unfolded it.

“Dear Mr. Barton,” it read, “Hi it Odeth from 2th grade I miss you a lot I wanted to know about you so much I am being good I am in 4th grade Do you miss me.  I live in __________  I go to school in __________  I hope you will come to my school…can you come visit me in school ask for my name…I am 10 year old I want you to come to my school.

Your best student,

Odeth

Ah, to be remembered by a student.

Odeth was in my very first class during my very first year as an elementary school teacher. 

She and her family were newcomers from Guatemala.

I’ll always remember her big dimples, her contagious laugh, her earthy brown eyes and her inquisitive mind. 

Later that afternoon, when my classroom was calm and quiet, I sat down at Odeth’s old desk and wrote a letter back to her.

Dear Odeth,

Hi! Your class will always be special to me. Do you remember the geometry lesson when you made that design of a yellow flower from the shapes I gave you? It was brilliant like you. I still have the picture we took of that flower. Do you remember how we talked about you becoming an architect and designing beautiful buildings? I wonder if you still enjoy designing things. Do you remember how you liked to talk and how I told you that you should think about becoming a lawyer? Ha ha. I know you’re being the best you can be and doing the best you can do. I miss you, too!

Mr. Barton

Odeth is a living letter to me and to you. 

Her life asks an essential question.

 “Are you thinking of me?”

Yes, Odeth, I am.