The third day of 10th grade Mr. Ziemski threw me out of his class (actually, I was in the doorway, but had been clowning with someone in the hallway when the bell rang). He immediately directed me to the guidance office for reassignment. I sat in Lu Wilson’s office and cried buckets. Not only had I never, EVER been kicked out of a classroom, but I had so looked forward to taking this already-legendary teacher’s class. Now I’d blown it. Mrs. Wilson handed me her box of tissues, patiently (and repeatedly) telling me not to worry; just go back into his class the next day and pretend it never happened. I was petrified, but I said OK. It was one of the best things I ever did. He taught so much more than a class. There is no standard of measure for all that I learned from him and continue to carry with me. Respect in his classroom was mutual, but earned. Much of the time the “lesson” had nothing to do with the previous assignment, but with learning to think and articulate. I was taught to embrace the written word, reason, diversity, instinct, laughter, hard work, family and life. The compassion he showed me when our mother died warms my heart to this day. His, and Mrs. Ziemski’s, kindness, friendship and support over the years since high school have been a gift. Mrs. Z., Jill and your beautiful family, please know that you are all in my thoughts. I celebrate a life very well-lived.