I am so sorry to hear that Ms. Neslage has passed away. It's been 42 years since I had her as a first grade teacher in Richardson Heights. She was the most intuitive, amazing teacher, and I loved her dearly. To this day, she is my favorite and most beloved teachers. I know she put up with a lot from me (I was quite the talker/whisperer during class), but when I was sick in class or hurt on the playground, she was always ready with a hug and a careful walk to the nurse's office. During lunch time, it used to make us all laugh when Ms. Neslage would wander around behind us, rubbing her hands together, and make a big deal about maybe stealing our Cheetohs. It became my favorite snack and I always looked forward to being able to share with her. It was a highlight of my day if I was tagged for a Cheetoh on any given day. The last day of school that year, I was so sad. But she gave me a big hug as I was leaving the room and told me to make sure I read a lot over the summer. Well, nothing would do for me, to obey my beloved teacher, but to read each and every day, for hours on end. My mom finally had to take my books away and make me play outsideā¦but I only looked forward to getting back inside to my next story or book. Ms. Neslage was a formative part of my life as a reader and now a writer, and I will always remember her with love and great respect. I'm glad to know she was so very much loved by so many people. What a great lady she was!