A Letter to My Teacher, Miss Wilson

You were my teacher, sweet and bright.
You taught me how to read and write.
But even more you taught me how
to live and love and never bow,
no matter how hard, no matter how tough
no matter how difficult, trying or rough.

I'll never forget your sunny smile,
your spirit, your laugh, your fine sense of style.
How you loved to drink latte, and go to the beach
How you loved to swim, to dance and to teach,
to drive in your car, the top down for the ride,
the sun in your face, and big Cole by your side.

You're gone for now, there is a hole.
I miss you with my heart and soul.
But even though I'll sometimes cry,
I'll really, really, really. . . try
to remember the good and not the bad,
and be happy for the time we had.

Because I know if you were here,
you'd come to me, and wipe my tear,
hands on hips, lips pursed tight,
you'd say, "Willa, it will be all right.
Be happy, you'd say, have fun, achieve.
Don't be bitter, and please don't grieve.''

And so, although I miss you so,
And love you more than you'll ever know,
I'll focus on the good, not bad.
I will be sad, but also glad
for all you did, for all you brought
for all you gave, for all you taught.

You were my teacher, sweet and bright.
You taught me how to read and write.
But even more you taught me how
to live and love and never bow
no matter how hard, no matter how tough,
no matter how difficult, trying or rough.

    Love, Willa

Willa Isakoff
Heather's Student
Rock Creek Forest Elementary School 
June 20, 2003