Email+from+Lillian+Reeves+to+me

Dear Courtney,

I have read and reread your reflection and your letter a million times by now; the pages are starting to look warn even though they are brand new. I feel absolutely blessed to have spent this time with you and with 461; I cannot wait to see what is ahead! Before 461, I was beginning to lose faith in our people, and you all have been restorative in every way. You capitalized on your strengths and met each other, every day, at your best (even if at times it was a quiet best or a sleepy best or a confused best, caused mainly by my ramblings). The characteristics you mentioned that you see in me are true reflections of yourself. Not once did I see you look at any of your classmates with disregard or distaste, and though you have said you have at times been a quiet participant, you are absolutely accepting and encouraging of your peers, those you know best and those you know least; I've learned the most from you about patience and trust, even if it doesn't come until the very last moment. Selfishly, I want you to go into the classroom because, as young as you are, you have already walked an absolutely genuine and devastating path, and your empathy, compassion, and boundless creativity positions you literally to save the lives of many young people, and I know you already know the magnitude of that calling. On the other hand, when I see and hear you talking about SFX and movies and shows, I am enormously proud of and impressed by how you express yourself creatively -- makeup, writing, music, and more -- and I feel that THAT is a joyful talented gift you deserve to explore as long as it holds your interest and your heart. This is YOUR time. If you choose the route of SFX, I feel certain your generous spirit will find a way to get young people involved regardless. I can think of nothing more interesting, challenging, and rewarding than the SFX work you do and love, and you make it almost impossible NOT to catch your enthusiasm. For the first time in my life, I care -- deeply -- about zombies and where they go during the day... =)

I have your six, whatever path you choose.

I am without words. Thank YOU.

All the best for the best, Lillian