Sellam Gezahan
He gave me one of the most beautiful gifts that I have ever received, the gift of singing. His classroom was always an escape from my home life, my shyness at school and my thought process on the world. I am older now and don't remember a lot about High School but I remember his presence. He didn't share my skin tone but he treated me like his own. A lot of teachers care about their students but few treat them like a parent. He was a man that you didn't dare try to disrespect because he treated everyone with respect. He watched out for me when other kids made racial jokes behind me, he pulled me after school and talked with me when things weren't going good at home, he allowed me to go on choir trips my family couldn't afford, he reprimanded me when it was necessary, he gave the best kind of praise when you followed his direction, and he made you feel the beauty of and in music when you carried the note just right in unison with 50 other kids. I watched others mistreat you behind your back and I felt powerless to stop them. I'm sorry for that, truly I am so sorry that I wasn't as so strong as you then. But thank you from every part of me. Thank you for giving me the gift of song which allows me to never be powerless again. I know the song of my heart because of you and now you are enclosed in the sight, song, and glory of God. If the angels need any help singing Ave Maria, show them one of the eight iterations you have taught so many of us you amazing and wonderful person. Thank you and I know you are resting in the right hand of God now. Thank you for being a mentor, a teacher, a parent, and later a friend. Thank you for showing me the greatest lesson of all. How to treat people and get into the kingdom that is prepared for us all. Sellam Gezahan