The Passing of a Mentor

I'm trying to keep this a professional, story-focused blog. As in, not much information regarding my emotional state (unless it involves writing, etc.) But something happened over the weekend that directly affects my writing world, so I have to share.

Yesterday, one of my mentors passed away. She was not old. It was not expected. She was just here and then -- gone. I have to honor her in a post because she was one of the main driving forces encouraging me to become a writer. Or at least be involved in English somehow. I had many other influences on my life and my career choice, but I will always remember her no-nonsense attitude. Her irascible brilliance. She was one of those teachers who many students disliked. Why? Because her lessons required effort. She had no tolerance for lazy learners, and I admired that about her. She pushed me. She challenged me. She opened my mind to possibilities not just in reading and writing, but in living. 

I remember the last time I spoke to her. I told her that I was working for a newspaper. She was happy for me, but she said "And then what?" Yes. What happens next? She didn't want me -- or any of her students -- to settle. To stagnate. She hoped that I would succeed. And I will. Teachers like her, who encourage their students to be the best they can be (even if the student might resent them for it), are a great driving force in society. Some may not even realize it. A few might even deny it. But I know better. I know how she helped me. And I know I'll try not to use "can" when I'm supposed to say "may" or use the contraction "you'll." :)

When people like Mrs. Linda Ferguson are taken from this world, it is hard not to ask "Why?" Not to be angry. Another like her, Mrs. Debra Endris, was also one of my mentors. She also passed away unexpectedly. Mrs. Endris and Mrs. Ferguson were remarkable women. And wonderful mentors. I will never forget their influence on my writing, their drive to make the world a better place, their appreciation for the written word, and their belief in each one of their student's ability to make a difference -- no matter how big or small. 

Thank you, Mrs. Ferguson and Mrs. Endris, for giving me a small part of your life. Thank you for the honor of knowing you. I can only hope that one day, you will look down and see what I have accomplished (tiny though it may be) and smile at each other and say "See, I told you she'd do something with her life."