A tribute to my Teacher.
No matter where you are, on earth or heaven, I hope some day you will know that your struggles and efforts in my behalf were not in vain. More than three decades have past since your efforts to guide and instruct this dual and simple child. Although, I lacked in many ways, among many of your finest students, you refused not to believe in me. In fact, as a young child, I could in anticipation of greeting you, depend on being reminded of this. Your impact upon me is immeasurable and indelible that by virtue of what I write here, more than thirty years since I have felt your presence and strength of character in your classroom, marks the significant of how you have altered my life forever.
I fear, in your eyes, I have not amount to much, but maybe someday this will change. But, I have never sought to disappoint, and have remembered the more important lessons you have taught to guide me through my journey of life. You shared your respect for history with me that I consequently learned to love. You demonstrated, in a most powerful way the profound moral lessons to be learned from history and the human conflicts that have plagued humanity since the beginning of recorded time.
I, as a very young school child, witnessed your dignity and grace, irregardless of your own unimaginable childhood history of indescribable horror and torture as you grew up in Eastern Europe. I have not, and will not ever forget the lessons you taught me from your childhood. I have not, and will not ever forget the mark, that brand on your forearm, placed there during your childhood. I have headed your lessons and they have guided my steps through life. I have done what you have asked of me. I have sought to understand, through study and travel, more fully what you have experienced and taught.
I had quietly told myself, in the company of yourself and your scarred arm: Never again... Not on my watch.... I have sought to more fully understand these lessons of history you taught, though your own childhood experience, so to better keep this promise. I have kept the faith. I have done what you have taught, I have done what you have asked, I have done what your quiet dignity has inspired me to do; that is, to learn and to never forget. I now more fully understand. Thank you.
Godiva
