Dear Mr. Spooner,

It's been about 6 years since I left Rumsey, and I cannot begin to list how much has changed, but I guess it would be easier to say how much has not, which would be the support I have had from you since day one.

Mr. Sensei Spooner, Master Teacher, but more importantly, Master Friend. Thank you for the light you turned on in my life 9 years ago. Never have I felt such care from someone for whom I wasn't their own. Now graduated from Rumsey and from Holy Cross, I still feel comfort in knowing I can speak to you for wisdom in all subjects of life. It's rare to find someone as genuine as you in this world. You are a daily inspiration to what I hope everyone strives to be: the man who dedicated his life to all others. You are the purest human I have had the gracious honor of meeting and knowing on a personal basis. I can't fill enough buckets of gratitude to show you how appreciative I am.

I thank whichever lord I pray to for having people out here like you. At the same time, I also turn my head to him knowing what can happen to some of the purest people i have met.

I wanted to say thank you, for the way you have helped my mind to grow outside of the box. I have stepped off of the concrete truck and found all the proof in the pudding. I have learned that although I like to think, the world does not revolve around me, that my hands can help others the way yours have. I have learned that with effort and determination, we can all become who we wish to be. I cannot see myself where I am today not having had your irrevocable belief in my success. You are, without a doubt, one of the most influential people in my life. Although I do not often express how truly grateful I am to have had you in my life at such an impressionable time, trust me when I say I think about it every single day.

I will always remember being a ninth grader at Rumsey, having you as my advisor, my coach and my teacher. Whether it was a verifying look, the nod of your head on the side of the court, or the scorn of your eyes and a “seriously?” when you and I both knew I messed up, you were always there, with a look and droplet of guidance. There is no doubt in my mind that without you helping me to pick the right paths, and showing me that I am capable, I would not be standing where I am today, and it is only right to thank you. It still sends chills through me and shoots a smile up to my mouth thinking about how even after I had left your school, you still showed up to my high school senior night. Seeing you in the stands that night I realized that some people are really there for you.

There is something to be said for the people who dedicate their lives to others. For the people who help push others forward, who sacrifice their needs for others, who are courageous enough to fight for others. It is defined by sainthood. In order to close this letter out to you, I must make it definite in black and white that in my eyes you are Saint Rick Spooner, Saint Sensei Spoondog, the man who not only sacrificed for me, but for the hundreds of others that passed through Rumsey Hall School, and even just through your life.

People like to say that miracles are nothing short of impossible, but if there is one lurking out there, I know it's just waiting to find its way to you. I try to think that everything happens for a reason, I try to think that everything is planned destiny, but it hurts my heart very much to even think for a second that someone had this plan for the kindest most selfless human I have ever known. Even in these times you hold your head high, as if nothing has changed, and admire your courage, I admire your toshi.

Thank you for teaching me how to be a more balanced human, thank you teaching me the ways of the Master Sensei, the basics of volleyball, the basics of human nature, the basics of happiness, Kami, Discipline, Honesty, what hard work will earn me. Thank you for always having a open door, an open seat for me in your office, an open slot for a phone call, or a quick conversation. Thank you for always having a minute to give me advice, for always being willing to help when I need you. Thank you for the hugs, the high fives, and the catchphrases you have given to me to help through the days.

Dear, Mr. Spooner, Thank you for being exactly who you are, Thank you for blessing me with the opportunity of knowing you. May your merry days never ever drift away.

I love you Master Sensei,

Your eternally grateful grasshopper, Taylor Racevicius