Some of my most valued treasures, are letters that CJ wrote to his middle school teacher Mr. Monson. They were actually supposed to be journal entries, but I guess writing to someone, was better than talking to yourself on paper. Each entry usually started with "Dear Mr. Monson" and was followed by "did you ever" or "have you ever".
The entry that sticks out in my mind the most goes something like:
"Dear Mr. Monson,
Have you ever been in a school program where you try not to look at your mom cause she has black streaks running down her face? Well I have. My mom always cries."
The questions to Mr. Monson were about a wide variety of subjects. Some were funny, some were serious, some were proud and some were even sad. I've often thought about CJ's Mr. Monson letters and how even at such a young age, they must have been very therapeutic. Mr. Monson usually didn't answer the letters but when he did, he did it without advice or judgement saying only "wow" or "thats amazing" or "no, I never had that happen". What a wonderful gift to give a student, a place to ponder about life and your role in it.
So in honor of CJ and Mr. Monson, I've created a "Dear Mr. Monson" page, where I would like to ponder my own life's questions. Thank you CJ, what a wonderful gift to give your mother. I think everyone should have a Mr. Monson.
