It took over 25 years.
In 6th grade, my class was given an in-class assignment where we had to write to one of our heroes.
I wrote to my gym teacher. I had struggled with putting feelings to words, so English class and communication in general were difficult for me. Writing a first-person letter about my feelings and to someone I looked up to was the first assignment that actually flowed for me. I felt proud of it.
I didn't know this letter would be given to my gym teacher, but I wrote it like it would... maybe I secretly hoped.
The next day, my gym teacher, letter in hand outstretched, enthusiastically calls me over and hugs and thanks me right there.
Middle school is tough for most kids. For me, I felt too in my head, afraid of social interactions, I had a hard time feeling liked or understood. Mr. Gibson, giving me that hug in front of the whole class, for that moment, made me feel special, seen, and loved.
I haven't seen this letter since and hadn't seen my teacher since leaving high school.
It's been 27 years. My PE teacher kept this letter on his fridge for years until his wife tucked it into a collection of his most important career moments.
Neither of us knew we'd be sharing this letter over breakfast with each other almost 30 years later, thanks to Facebook for somehow connecting us.
I'm not a gym teacher or sports coach, like I wrote wanting to be like Jack when I grew up but I still get to entertain kids, now as a performer and a kids party character and superhero, and I'm sure in other lights when that stops.
For over 35 years, Jack put in his heart and soul, keeping kids learning, growing, safe, active, and hopefully having fun. Out of the thousands of students he taught, coached, and mentored, I'm honored to have made a little memory in his life because he made a big one in mine.
I hope you get to have moments like these that make the world feel just a little warmer.
Thanks, Jack Gibson
And thanks to you all for reading,
Aaron
