Dear Ms. Yvonne
Dear Ms. Yvonne,
Remember that message on Facebook? A simple, “Miss you!” and, “I miss you, too!” Three weeks go, two words, so much meaning. There’s more I wish I would have said, but I know, like you know not all the words need be spoken.
We don’t get all the time we want with the people we love, but if I could have one more minute, moment, a few more words, these are the ones I would say:
My first day, I knew I was in good hands. Those nerves and jitters were put to ease. You smiled, you cracked a joke. I smiled. I laughed. That was that.
Tot time with you and your mother was the highlight of my week. Why? Because you and your mom reminded me so much of my own family. Of me and my mother and my grandmother. Those things Black folk do that are universal, no matter where you’re from or where you are. Humor helped us get through.
You cared about me like I was your family. Ms. Yvonne, I felt like I was.
You were my intro in Early Childhood. It wasn’t any note written on paper that let me see your secret. It was your way with kids and parents. that love you sprinkled on every storytime. The way you made sure the tiniest details (the ones I did not quite understand) were just right. You showed me, without telling me, the key to a child’s heart was to show them yourself. Be you.
You made sure I was good. Being in Pittsburgh alone, something as simple as, “How are you today?” You made sure I was good.
When we ran into each other at random, Giant Eagle, a walk around the North Side, it was just like old times. There was no catching up. You smiled, I smiled. Not all the words need be spoken .
Out of all of this, you helped me see life is about living your dreams. Going for what you want. Pushing through when the door says no. I don’t understand why we can’t have one more, or many more moments.
I thank you.
For you.
For your smile.
For how much you cared.
For your love.
For your honesty.
For your belief in me.
I thank you
for being you
and showing me
I can be myself, too.
