You've told a story about a teacher you once had, or maybe an old friend you've long since lost contact with. If you find yourself in that situation, or if you know someone in that situation, consider reaching out to them. Let them know you still remember them fondly. 

I did that back in 2018. I reached out to my freshman chemistry professor from 1974-1975: Professor Luther Brice. I sent him a letter, an email, thanking him. My letter was intended just for him, just to let him know. A simple gesture. It sparked a correspondence and we also became FB friends. 

Apparently, my letter meant something to him, enough that he shared it with his family.  And his family reached out to me recently to let me know Prof. Brice had passed away at 98. And they asked permission to read my letter publicly at his memorial services. A few days ago, I was told:

"My son, who is also a professor, read your wonderful letter at the memorial. It was so well received, people clapped at the end. They laughed and smiled at your stories and reflections. Thank you again for remembering my Uncle Luther."

I am moved and proud, to have known him at all, and to somehow have participated in his life.

I'm going to share the text of my letter here. Perhaps it may inspire you to reach out to some person from your past, just to let them know you remember them.

Here is the letter I wrote to Dr. Brice in 2018:

Dear Prof. Brice,

I was one of your 23,593 (according to a citation I saw) chemistry students. Starting in the fall of 1974 I took your Honors Chemistry class. I fell a few credits short of a double major in Chemistry and Physics while at Virgina Tech, but I went on to get a PhD in Physics.

Your Honors Chemistry class my freshman year was my first college level experience in science. I can't imagine a better start and at 60 years old I thought it high time to thank you.

This video is a recent interview from 60 Minutes with a Ben Ferencz, an extraordinary person who has now turned 100. As a young man, he was a prosecutor at the Nazi war crimes trials in Nuremberg just after WWII. I should warn you, there is a brief moment of film from the war, showing actual brutal murders. I hesitated posting it because that part is so difficult. Avert your eyes, or don't watch at all, if you must. Just know: evil doesn't go away just because we don't look. Quite the opposite. It only grows stronger when we don't look.

But the overall message is optimism. Despite the horrible things this man has seen, he's stunningly optimistic. Some would call him naive, and he talks about that. I think you may find something here to inspire you. I did.

Do not lose your optimism, your hope that things can improve. Especially in these times when our own country is being so evil. If this man can remain optimistic, we all can have hope.

Just be braced for some of the worst of humanity too. And have courage.

60 Minutes interview with Ben Ferencz