ٍSir!

A word used in the military to connotate respect and reverence of rank. It is also used as a reference to a knighthood of a person bestowed by the royalty for achievements of a person in their lifetime. In some parts of the world, it is used to refer to the teacher who teaches various ages. In all aspects of the name, it is given to those who deserve the most respect in comparison to others. Such was my math teacher, whom I had I known at the tender age of 12. I was lost in this subject, always seeking to find out its intricate mysteries. And there is nothing more respectable in this world than when a teacher comes along, not only to unpack the mysteries of a subject, but a lot of the mysteries of life, and help your mind sort them all out. The more respect is that this teacher does not only stay in my life at the level of a teacher but to be elevated to mentor, friend and brother.

It is incredible to believe that my math teacher stayed my life’s journey with me and became part of raising my children. No matter the problem, the issue and the odds, he was there with a smiling face, willing to face them head on no matter what they might be. I guess few would believe that he had lost his wife at the early age of 27 when he was newly married in a terrible domestic accident leaving him to raise two small children on his own. He then assailed life in every and any way that he could moving from job to job, and place of residence to another, till he got and settled, of all places, in an administrative position in my kids’ school. This man re-married, raised his own children, the children of another woman, and raised a special needs child. In my life, he helped me with my math, helped me be in the career that I am in now, and supported my children as they finished their formal education in their school. He was the person to rely on, to find in a time of need, and to know that he will be there whenever the need arrives.

After wishing he would rest in peace, and be rewarded for his good deeds, there is only one thing left to do. I stand up and salute you! Sir!