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Kindergarten teachers are very special individuals
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To the Editor:
I wanted to thank you for recently publishing my memories of a Memorial Day that occurred so many years ago. I was flattered to receive many kind comments directly from your readers. None, however, were as touching as hearing from a six-year-old’s “first love”—his kindergarten teacher.
Mrs. Rusert wrote me a beautiful note and commented that she remembered me...that in itself is flattering, since she taught a large share of Caledonia’s 30-50 year old crowd!
I want everyone to know, however, that my memory is cloudy as well, and the fateful Memorial Day when no flags were handed out was probably a result of my own fantasy world! Then—just as I still tend to do—I probably heard what I wanted to hear. In all likelihood, Mrs. Rusert did not “leave the kids hanging” on Memorial Day, but rather, I misinterpreted her announcement and assumed our class was going to march in the parade.
But that was many years ago. What I do wish to add to the story is that Mrs. Rusert was a splendid kindergarten teacher, and instead of ignoring a precocious little boy, she nurtured his curiosity and encouraged him to explore his young passion for military history.
I can honestly say, if it were not for my Mrs. Rusert, I would not have followed the path in life that has carried me to countless museums, battlefields and books.
Any child is blessed who receives the attention of a caring teacher. Caledonia is fortunate to have a teacher like Mrs. Rusert. I know I was.
John F. Graf
Caledonia Kindergarten
Class of 1969
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