"We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart." (Hamlet)

The dictionary defines "legacy" as "something received from an ancestor or predecessor from the past." I suppose that's me if I want my progeny to remember me. So, I must again take a "blogging" opportunity to document my "legacy" for the future generations of my family. To do so I will again write what I received from a student of mine from the class of 1964; a "student" who must now be 60+ I would imagine:

Dr. Ross introduced me to the love of my life--words. It was in his class that I discovered the pure sensual joy that using words can give, and the tremendous satisfaction of working with words to communicate precisely one's intent. In introducing us to poetry and teaching us to analyze a poem, I had my first experience in what became my profession which is psychoanalysis. Words were the tools by which the poet commucicated his or her unique emotional or perceptual reality, and it is by listening to a person's words that I can participate in that reality in my office. But it was in teaching me to use my mind that Dr. Ross made his greatest impact on me. I had never thought of myself as particularly bright or smart before meeting him. I got the feeling as his student that he "got" me, and it was this recognition and validation of my thinking and creativity that allowed me to see myself as a capable student, and I hold that awareness with me today. Thank you, Dr. Ross, for your discipline and humor, and for that special talent that only certain teachers have of imparting a love for learning. Barbara Mitchell Kolenda, Class of '64

Since one letter from a student does not a legacy make, here is one from the former North Shore H.S. psychologist:

As a young man, you repeatedly risked your life during World War II, and because of your sacrifice you enabled us to remain free. As a teacher, you mentored those free young souls, gracing them with the power and beauty of literature and wisdom far beyond what ordinary teachers have. As a father, your love and commitment to your children brought them through confused times and enabled each of them to make his or her chosen path in life. As a friend, you never let down those who were lucky enough to be counted among your many comrades. As a man, there are few who egual your rich and varied life, and there are none who surpass the sum total of your courage, your wisdom, your love and your loyalty. Knowing you has made us all better people, and has made this world a better place to inhabit. Ray Maccagli, School Psychologist, 1970-1972.

I realize that I am in a rare position late in my life to receive such endearing compliments written to and about me. It is most rewarding and satisfying to have been a teacher most of my days on this earth and to know that I have reached out and touched someone.