A letter I received from a former student:

[Ms. Toad]

22. I have been making a conscious effort

to write letters like that to people who have influenced my life. Most have gone to doctors (way too much rare medical stuff in our lives over the last 20 years), but one went to my high school physics teacher.

I actually just sent one off on Friday to a doctor I had 12 years ago. I think I saw her for a total of 4 visits, but she literally saved my life (as would any doctor who treated the condition I had) - but her approach meant outpatient surgery and missing one day of work and no pain v. loss of a major organ, and acute recovery period of at least 2 weeks, and 6-8 weeks out of work. I had had to fight off my GP and two specialists to get to her for what was, then, a new and somewhat risky procedure.

Her response: "I absolutely remember your case. Your kind words are just what I needed today!!"

I encourage everyone to pick someone in their past who has made a real difference and send them a little note just to let them know.