I am a coward.
Let me back up several months. One of my high school teachers and I were having our cars serviced. As we hung out in the waiting room, the talk turned to teachers I liked, respected, and influenced me. By the way, the teacher I was speaking with handled a course called "consumer economics." It was one of the most valuable high school courses ever, and I understand my high school no longer offers it.
The talk turned to a pair of junior high school English teachers. One has passed away. The other is still with us, long since retired. A friend knew I was thinking of calling this teacher to say "thank you." A telephone number dropped in to my lap, and that led to a cell phone number. The number sat on my desk for several days, as I tried to screw up the courage to make the call.
I finally dialed him up, while I was on vacation last week. The cell phone was apparently turned off because the call went right to voice mail. I rambled on for about a minute, explaining who I was and the reason for the call.
It would have been nice to chat for a moment, and perhaps I will try again, if I ever get another burst of courage.
At least, he was finally given a well deserved "thank you." I'm sorry it was more than 40 years late.