It's said that "the influence of a good teacher can never be erased." I have found that statement to be very true although you were so much more to me than just my teacher. You taught me lessons about life, you gave me inspiration, and you were like my second dad. You were the reason I never fully gave up.

I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you did for me throughout my high school years and even years after I had graduated. You knew I struggled a lot when I was younger with depression and wanting to hurt myself. I was in a very tough spot. However, thanks to you I was able to find smiles, laughter, and positivity in every day.

Being a teacher is not an easy job. As someone who's going to school for teaching, I know it's late nights and early mornings and trying to make time for fun and family. You didn't have to stay after school with me almost every day just so I could go and cry in your office. You didn't have to look up resources for me or give me advice or make me laugh. But you did and I am forever grateful for that.

Thank you for being the teacher that changed my life. You left an impact on my heart that I will remember forever and I will always cherish. As a teacher, you taught me a lot more than just things about band. You taught me things about life. No matter how bad of a day I was having, and no matter how sad I was, you constantly had a new life lesson to teach me as well as a positive way to look at whatever type of situation I was in. I want you to know that truly, you saved my life. If it weren't for you and the comfort and inspiration you gave me, I wouldn't be here anymore. You helped me through the darkest part of my life.

You taught me that there is ALWAYS a positive side to every situation. That when one door closes another door opens. You taught me how to be strong. You told me that someday everything would all be okay. Because of you, my life has continued on. Because of you, I was able to go to travel to London and Paris, I was able to find the love of my life, I was able to go to college, and I was able to get a job working with kids. I truly hope that I impact my kids lives in a positive way like you did for me.

Thank you for never failing to put a smile on my face. Even on the days where I wasn't upset and crying, I'd still come into your office. It was a safe place for me. It was somewhere I knew I could talk about anything and a place I knew I'd leave with a smile. I often miss your jokes and all the teasing you did to me because that too made me laugh and smile and I often needed that in my life.

You're an amazing teacher and an amazing person. I just want you to know how much you mean to me. Thank you for the inspiration and for always being there for me. You changed my life and you saved my life. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know.