Hi Dad;

I miss you.

This past year without you has been hard. I find myself thinking of you so often. It is comforting to realize that your teachings did not end when we lost you last summer. Even though you did not spend your life at the front of a classroom, you have passed on your wisdom to generations.

You taught me that I am a learner before I am a teacher. Most importantly, you brought me to an understanding of where learning comes from. The time spent alone in a canoe, or in conversation with a complete stranger can be as powerful as the time spent sitting at a desk in a classroom. You were right when you told me that I would learn more from my students than they would ever learn from me.

You taught me to be a scientist - to approach life with wonder. Think, look for patterns, problem solve. Question everything. Science is important, but sitting, watching, and learning from nature is as important as the lessons in the textbook.

You made me believe that I am special. Not in the way that means I should be treated differently than others, but in the sense that I have something unique to offer. You taught me that sharing my story, sharing myself with kids is important, because nobody else can do exactly that.

The happiest moments are when I see my students asking questions, sharing stories, passing on their own learning. And so I go on now, learning from the land, learning from my colleagues, learning from books, conversations and you.

With love,
Donna