May this message find you well. I can't pinpoint what it was that pushed me to write this for you, but know that I mean everything I have here. I remember the structure you implemented in the classroom, the bowtie for every occasion, your likeness for Taco Bell, and the care you had for every person you taught math to. There is more that comes to mind, but nothing I can say would capture the outstanding figure you are. In the ten years since I left your instruction, I've learned more about my faith, culture, and that I don't really care for math. This might disappoint you, but the time came for me to reteach myself long division and fractions when my electrical classes started. Algebra probably would've been easier too if you had followed me after elementary school. Oh, how simple things were for me then, how innocent I was that I thought you'd just be there until I left college! Yes, it's true, I have grown, and man, if you were there as I overcame the crucible that was the rest of grade school, well- I wouldn't be the person I am today.
Whether it was the environment of your teaching or simply the nature of the 5th grade that kept me straight, I report to you that I strayed far from that innocence once I left it. Color began to matter, words became tools for me to use against others, and I've committed actions that I can't speak of. Perhaps I was bound to go down the same route even if you were there, although I doubt it. Because of said growth, I wanted to talk, but I felt like I didn't have a good enough story to tell you, a position I held I'd be proud of updating you on. However, I know our time here is short, and although I'm not really at the top of the world yet, I'm content with what I've got. If there's one thing I won't forget about you, Mr. Allen, it's that you noticed the uncertainty I had of my own future. "Whatever you do, I know you're going to be great at it." Thank you. I don't remember if I thanked you after you said it then, but I give you my gratitude here and now.
Maybe I would've visited you and Mrs. Allen if you two hadn't moved away. Although you two have every right to question that, since I couldn't even bother sending a text. Truly, I hope you both may forgive me for my silence. To ask myself what would've been can give me enough material to write endlessly, but I'm thankful for you giving me what I do indeed have. I trust that your current Padawans are shaping up to be great, and I pray that you and Mrs. Allen are sharing a fruitful life together.
Sincerely,
Jose N. Garcia
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