Losing someone you deeply care about is never easy. Especially when you know that they are never coming back.

This last week, I learned that someone near and dear to my heart had passed away. At first, I was very numb. Unable to process the actual truth of the matter. Literally two days prior to hearing the news, I was thinking about this person and the promise that I had made to them. My heart is aching, but I know that they are in a better place now, and that God does everything for a reason. So, Mrs. Lange, this one is for you.

First off, thank you. Thank you for inspiring me from the age of six. You are part of the reason I have chosen the career path that I have. When I was in first grade you managed to see my potential. You believed in me.

You were the type of teacher that knew who had the ability to thrive, who needed the push. And I really want to say thank you for that.

I will never ever forget how you turned our first grade classroom into a ship and took us to Australia. I will never forget how you refused to let me write my name sloppy because you knew I could do better. You made learning fun.

Thank you for lighting the spark in me. Thank you for making me promise you that I will strive to do amazing things with my life.

Rest in peace up there in Heaven. Hopefully I will see you again one day.

Love you very much,

Skylar