TO MY DEAR PROFESSOR ROBERT MANSON MYERS

The writing prompt is write a love letter

Dear Dr. Myers:

You were one of my most influential mentors ever. Brilliant and encouraging, you led me through the rigorous yet satisfying works of Samuel Johnson and Alexander Pope--no simple feat. And one of my favorite classes was the Bible as Literature. Under your masterful and entertaining tutelage, even the Bible was immensely interesting. I just loved hearing you talk and never missed a class. Every day, when you strayed from the topic and just bantered on, I hung on to your every word. I took more notes on your life musings than on anything on which I would be tested.

But it was your confidence in me that left such a lasting impression. When I'd answer a question in class and you would say, "Miss ____, you give me great hope for the human race," I wanted to jump from my desk and hug you. No one had said words like that to me. Quite the opposite at times.

I loved the way you were a professed Anglophile and you'd come strutting into class on the gloomiest, rainiest days, snap shut your umbrella, and enthuse, "What a beautiful day. Just like in my beautiful England." With your spot-on Brit accent--difficult for someone from the South. 

I got nothing but A+'s from you. And I worked for them because your respect meant the world to me. Although you were probably 40 years older than I was, and you never knew this, I fell in love with you--with your brilliance, your wisdom, your glorious mind. You illuminated my world and I drank in your praise and kind words like manna.

Of course, most of my classmates thought you were the most difficult teacher in the English Department which is why it gave me such great joy to produce work that pleased you. It was both a challenge for me and a triumph.

Remember the Christmas when I gave you the Christmas album? You wrote me the perfect thank you note, on linen Crane stationery. I recall how you spent a class discussing how no one wrote proper thank you or condolence notes ("Just say what you FEEL and it will always be the right thing") and I still consider what you said when I sit to write one. I still have your note in my box upstairs with my treasured items. Just like I have all the A+ papers.

I was an insecure and needy girl and you changed my world in ways you'll never know. I think of you often and hope you're doing well. I hope you would be proud of the person I've become.

With Love and Admiration Always,

Your Most Devoted Student