The Letter

In middle school, I had one of those incredible teachers you never forget. As an english teacher, Mrs. Goldblatt taught us to read, examine and write words every way you could possibly imagine. She was compassionate, knowledgeable and contagiously enthusiastic. She cared about her students in such a deep way; you knew she wanted to be there everyday. She is the one of the main reasons I find pleasure writing today. She had a major impact on my desire to teach one day; I desired to be just like her. I hope I'm making at least a fraction of the impact on my students as she did on all of us.

At the end of eighth grade, Mrs. Goldblatt gave every student a written sentiment whether a poem, letter or memory from the year. I received a letter which, you'll see, had enormous meaning to me. She wrote to me in future tense as though I taught at her daughter's school and happened to be her third grade teacher (though at the time, she and her husband had no children). Her words were insightful and inspirational. At 13, upon reading these words, I knew I wanted to fulfill her prediction of the type of teacher she thought I might become. Also, as you'll read, she referenced me as her Anne Frank; that was my identity for years to come.

Since then (1999), I have run into Mrs. Goldblatt here and there. We've briefly caught up, I met her dear children and I expressed my continuing dreams of pursuing a teaching career. The letter was forgotten for most of these years, but tucked away in a safe place. The last time I saw her was four years ago during my student teaching. A couple years later, I rediscovered the letter and found myself choked up reading the words once more- my dream had come true and her prediction partially fulfilled. Since we'd lost contact, I decided to keep the letter in the side door of my car in hopes I would one day run into her again and be able to share her meaningful words written to me thirteen years ago.

Two months ago, upon entering the doors of Trader Joe's, I spotted Mrs. Goldblatt as I hoped I would one day! I quickly ran to my car, grabbed the letter and went to find her in the aisles. We reunited and I was able to thank her for the immense impact she had on my life. The letter was only a tangible piece of what she'd meant to me through the years. I was able to share with her how encouraging her words and belief in me were.

She expressed desire to visit my classroom and meet my students. Of course I answered yes! I was delighted, yet somewhat nervous when she visited today! But what a great day. She brilliantly taught poetry to my students making them feel as though writing could be their escape into a world with endless possibilities (as she taught me thirteen years ago). It was a surreal experience and one I will never forget. 

Click to see the letter in full form

Mrs. Goldblatt... you'll always hold such a special place in my soul. Thank you for the encouragement, dedication and compassion then and now. I hope I can encourage and inspire my students for years to come as you did.