Love Letters from Heather

Dear Gail,

You probably don’t remember the first time we met, but I do. I was only 21 and scared to death while I was getting a tour of the first school where I would have a permanent teaching contract. You were in the parking lot wearing a stylish one-piece pantsuit and hoop earrings, sporting a shoulder-length wavy do. You were confident and kind—and obviously the coolest kid of the group. You were mid-race while I was at the start line. Little did I know you would reappear in my life over and over, even if for brief moments throughout the next 23 years!

For the first 10 years of my career, we were in the same school. You drove me home more times than I could ever count. Did I ever thank you for that? Have I ever mentioned how much I admired that, with everything going on in your life, you went back to university to get a degree in psychology, or that your sage advice on our rides home affected me greatly, or that your non-judgmental ear carried me when I couldn’t carry myself? Probably not. But I am now.

I appreciated your practical look at life, how well you got on with students, your empathetic heart, and your excellent command of a classroom. You taught those who some would deem unteachable. You proved there was no such thing. Thank you for helping my son before I even knew he was my son.

I truly admired how proud you were of your own children—your boys. I loved hearing stories of what they were up to and how things were going! I also loved learning about your parents and your relationship with them. You also possess this uncanny way of accurately reading people.

You were one of the first people I told about the decision to adopt. I remember that narrow classroom beside the staffroom. Thank you for being there and being so supportive of the whole thing.

Little did I know, a couple of years after I left that school, we would work together again. Being part of a brand-new school was both exciting and challenging. We had a great leader, though, didn’t we? Steve Barker had our backs when things got tough! It was so nice to reunite in this new environment.

I moved on a year later, but we have bumped into each other throughout the years. Whether you have supported my business endeavours or if I simply saw you at the pool with your grandkids, or the occasional Facebook message, I am comforted in knowing this lifelong friend is always there.

You have gone through some changes in your life (including names lol), but you have always been the same person: kind, helpful, no-nonsense, strong, and courageous. Thank you for all you have done for me.

You gave me some sage advice over the years that could not have been more true:

When I was in my 20s, you told me that when you hit your 40s, you no longer care nearly as much what other people think.

Sometimes when we think we’ve made new, better choices, we are often just making the same mistakes over again.

Life isn’t a picnic. It isn’t supposed to be. But I know in my heart you are a strong, beautiful soul who can face whatever life throws your way with your resilient, spirit. You have been a mentor, an unparalleled friend, and an all-round recurring theme in my life. Thank you.

Now that I have a few more years under my belt, I would like to leave two thoughts for you, Gail.

Remember to take time for yourself. Everyone needs to fill up once in a while.

You have many friends and family who love and adore you…and they probably lean on you. They are ready and eager to have the tides turn direction, if ever you require their support! My advice is to utilize them.

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Heather

PS. You always had the best taste in shoes.