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Thursday, April 29, 2010

With Gratitude

I made this card over the weekend for my sister to give to one of her son's teachers who has really been a great supporter of his this year. I am posting this today because it is how I feel for one of my former school teachers who passed away this week after a long personal battle. Putting into words what Mr. Hickman aka Mr. Bill did for me and for so many others who were lucky enough to know him, no matter if you were in his class or not. Mr. Hickman shaped the lives of so many people and I started to realize just how much when his friends on Facebook reached over 2300 people. I have been going to his homepage often the last few days to read all the wonderful words people have been writing about him and we all seem to have the same love and experience. He pushed us to strive for the best in ourselves and now I see myself using his quotes and pushing my children the same way. Between my parents and Mr. Hickman I had no choice but to turn out okay .......... He saw the best in everyone that passed into his building and always picked the positive to focus on and would encourage where we might have been falling short. He gave us respect as students and in return we gave it right back to him. I am thankful that I was able to speak to him a few short months ago and tell him how he influenced my life as well as so many others. He was a good man and his legacy will live on forever for many people. Today my mentor and friend will be laid to rest and he is not suffering anymore. I hope he knew how many people are better because of him and I wish that truth would have been enough to save him. Rest in Peace Mr. Hickman, you will always be a part of the person that I am.


16 comments:

Diane Jaquay said...

This is SO beautiful Sue Ann! I love the rustic feel, just great!!

Keva said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Keva said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. It's amazing what certain people can bring into your life. A certain something that you never forget as long as you live. I'll say a little prayer for Mr. Hickman's family. I love your card..it's very beautiful!

Jackie Solomon said...

Your card is beautiful and your story is so touching. He sounds like a wonderful man.

Unknown said...

Very touchy post, I teach part time, and just hope that my students remember me the way u remember your teacher! amazing story, amazing card!

Dana said...

Oh Sue Ann, how sad. What an incredible person he must have been to have touched so many lives. I'm sure his soul is shining brightly because of his time here on earth.
One of my favorite teachers from HS died last year and thousands of his former students flocked to pay tribute. I'll bet Doc Scher and Mr. Hickman are living it up together somewhere!
Amazing card too, as you already know!

Anonymous said...

Very pretty! I am really loving the new anniversary set!

Kara said...

Hooray for great teachers and great cards!!
Kara

Terri said...

Nice job on the card. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your teacher. He sounded like a wonderful man.

Ingrid Danvers said...

What a wonderful post, Sue Ann. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your teacher. Your card is gorgeous.

Barbara said...

Such a lovely card, Sue Ann. I'm so sorry about your teacher.

Sherry said...

Very beautiful....great colors!

Angy said...

so woodsy and rustic, definitely have to CASE this!

Taheerah said...

I had tears in my eyes reading about hos this man has touched your life and that of so many others. I hope he has found peace now. Your card is gorgeous and so wonderfully executed!

Amy Kolling said...

Sounds like your teacher was one special person!

Your card is so rustic and the layout is perfect!! Again, love the scallop!

Nadine said...

Thank you Sue Ann for posting this card on the forum for me to see. I don't know how I missed it before. Love the layout you designed and how you matted the main image. Wonderful post. It brought tears to my eyes.