Dear Mrs. Thompson,
I don’t even know where to start, really.
In late March I returned to Seattle for what I thought was going to be a two-week trip back home, while I thought naively that this COVID wave was going to be dealt with and dealt with, swiftly. How very wrong I was. Seven months later and here I am while the country is still in a state of turmoil before the election next week.
I remember thinking of you in early April, as I so often do at any time of the year, and wanting to reach out. How must Mrs. Thompson be dealing with this current predicament? What would she do? What wise words would she have for me, for all of us?
And then to find out that you were no longer with us?
It is at this very moment as devastating as it was when I first found out. Like having a full stomach of air and then having it completely ripped from your stomach, just as quickly.
Where have you gone Mrs. Thompson?
While I know that you are high above us, undoubtedly enjoying some pain-free relaxation amongst the clouds and gates of gold, I still yearn to hear those beautiful words that you used to say. Keeping me in check when my attention was lost. Challenging me to do better. Keeping us all together and supportive of one another. Creating the type of environment that one would hope could exist outside of the classroom and within neighborhoods and communities and even cities and states all over.
I miss your voice. I miss your smile. I miss your haircut. I miss your style. I miss the way you used to chew gum. I just miss you.
Do you know I have kept your name in my phone? I refuse to delete it. I think that I hope one day, out of the blue, you might call. Or maybe I might call you and the cellular service will be so strong that I could reach you where even planes get no reception.
Your daughter said there is a spot that I could go visit in Oregon. A bench and plaque made (or to be made) in your memory. A tree that you used to frequent when you were sick.
Your presence is so, so missed, but your spirit is so strong that it gives me such life and energy when I think of you, utter your name, and reflect on the impact that you had on all of us.
I am giving you a huge hug, Mrs. Thompson.
I might not have given you enough flowers then, but I promise you I will continue to give them to you now, forever and ever, as long as I have life to live.
With love,
Josh