“Writing is pain. I’m not here to make it less painful for you. I’m here to take you to new levels where you will experience deeper and different kinds of pain.” – Pat Mouton, Liverpool High School English

I started writing this post 15 days ago, when the most influential teacher in my life Pat Mouton passed away. Without her, this blog wouldn’t exist. It’s arguable if I would have even made it to college. She challenged me and helped me during a very traumatic time in my life and for that, I’m forever in her debt. The fact that I’m at a loss for words about the death of the woman that gave me the power to use them is ironic….and poetic, in a way that I think Mrs. Mouton would appreciate. Thank you, Pat – for everything you gave me and the countless other students who you touched during your time as a teacher.