You never know what you're going to find when you clean house. Especially in my house. I am the quintessential pack rat. I just can't help it. Here's what I found this time...an old letter from a former student, dated April 22, 1997:

Dear Ms. ******,
I DO NOT think that you are gay. I understand how upset you are and that you and Jackie are just really good friends. I thought that you guys were both married anyway. You see, I have a really bad habit of eavesdropping. I tried hard not to, but it doesn't help.

When Christy used to sit across from me, Jackie used to come in the classroom a lot. I eavesdropped, and told her what you said. She must have interpreted it wrong, because I... I don't know what I said, but I'm sorry! I hate to get in trouble, and I know that you're not like that. You've been my art teacher for two years in a row. I've respected you. And, when you made me student of the month, for my first time ever, I was overcome with happiness. I understand it if you don't want me as student of the month anymore. This kind of stuff happens to me all of the time, because of my BIG mouth. I know how much trouble I could be in right now, (because it happened last year), and I'm grateful that you're so kind as to not kill me. Please, please forgive me! I try hard not to say mean things. I never wanted to hurt your feelings. I know that Jackie is engaged, and I wouldn't be suprized if you were too. I thought that you were already married.

Most people say "go with the flow" now I know not to believe that saying. If the "flow" believes that you're gay, I don't want to believe it too. I'm terribly sorry for all of this trouble, and confusion. I'm sooo sorry! I can't apologize enough! I won't say things like that about you, or Jackie again, unless I'm saying that it's not true. You've been sooo kind to me for two years, and I don't know how I could do this! I'm so, so sorry. Please forgive me, Brandy.

The funniest thing about this letter is that not only am I gay, but so is Jackie. Although we weren't together, we were close friends, and obviously the students pick that up.

Comments:

...so what was your reaction at the time this letter was written, how did you handle the situation?