This was one of the most special sessions I've had, maybe ever ;)
It's a little crazy how it all came together, but basically, Erica, formally known as "Misses Osborn" taught my sophomore and junior high school English class. She is one of those teachers who is truly changing the world. She reminds me a lot of Hillary Swank in the movie Freedom Writers, not because I went to a gangsta high school or anything like that, quite the opposite actually, but because she honestly poured her life and her heart into her students and teaching.

There are only a couple of teachers that really stand out in my mind as truly investing, truly leaving me with something beyond just basic arithmetic equations and history facts. Erica was one of those people who saw real potential in me at a young age. She was one of those giant 'seed planters' in my life... I have a small handful of them...those people who are able to see the great woman in me in the times when I cannot see it in my self. A little faith in someone goes a very long way. On my last day of high school before I moved from Chicago to Oklahoma for college, Miss Osborn handed me a book that still has a special place in my book case, it is called Hope for the Flowers it is a book I have given as gifts myself to those special people in my life. It speaks of a world that embraces change and is fearless in the face of the curve balls life throws our way. It is beautiful... and so is Erica.

I hadn't seen Erica in 6.5 years or so and since then she married this fabulous Norwegian man named Esklid. He is a total knee slapper. He would make these silly funny comments in passing that were absolute amazing. These two have made a beautiful life together, so without further adeaux.... Erica & Esklid