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.