I am not in the habit of keeping many letters and cards. Somewhere in a box in the basement are some cards and letters Allan sent me the summer before we were engaged. Love letters, the best kind. I also have some cards and notes given to me by my kids when they were in various stages of learning how to write. (This collection includes the obligatory letter to parents from my son when he was at Boy Scout camp.) On a shelf in my office I have a few notes from parents of students I taught, and one very special one from my longtime mentor, Regie Routman. Yesterday I was lucky enough to place a second letter from Regie right next to the first.
I met Regie in 2005 at a conference I was helping to organize. I was awestruck! I couldn’t believe I was having lunch with such an authority on reading and writing who had taught me so much! At the end of the day I didn’t want the conversation to end – I had so many more questions and there was so much more for me to learn from her. Regie suggested I write her a letter, and she handed me her card. Over the course of the years our paths crossed a few times at conferences where I was presenting. Even though she must meet hundreds of people every year, Regie always made me feel special.
A few weeks ago I happened upon a blog post written by Regie that included a video of her working with students. Watching her in that video brought about a sudden realization of all she had done for me. I could see myself in her words and actions. I was reminded that I approach the teaching of reading and writing and the delivery of professional development like I do because of her. I have had many mentors, especially in the area of writing, but I think Regie has influenced me the most.
I knew immediately that I wanted to write to her and express my thanks. I didn’t know if the letter would even reach her! After all, the address I had was more than ten years old. Still, I wrote. The moment I saw the envelope from her in the pile of mail I gathered yesterday, I was filled once again with the awe I felt at our first meeting.
The power of response..and mentors.
I met Regie in 2005 at a conference I was helping to organize. I was awestruck! I couldn’t believe I was having lunch with such an authority on reading and writing who had taught me so much! At the end of the day I didn’t want the conversation to end – I had so many more questions and there was so much more for me to learn from her. Regie suggested I write her a letter, and she handed me her card. Over the course of the years our paths crossed a few times at conferences where I was presenting. Even though she must meet hundreds of people every year, Regie always made me feel special.
A few weeks ago I happened upon a blog post written by Regie that included a video of her working with students. Watching her in that video brought about a sudden realization of all she had done for me. I could see myself in her words and actions. I was reminded that I approach the teaching of reading and writing and the delivery of professional development like I do because of her. I have had many mentors, especially in the area of writing, but I think Regie has influenced me the most.
I knew immediately that I wanted to write to her and express my thanks. I didn’t know if the letter would even reach her! After all, the address I had was more than ten years old. Still, I wrote. The moment I saw the envelope from her in the pile of mail I gathered yesterday, I was filled once again with the awe I felt at our first meeting.
The power of response..and mentors.
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