My fifth grade teacher was Mr. Samuelson. I could write a lot about Mr. Sam; he taught me a great deal, and was a large influence on my life. It's getting late for me to get into a long entry, however, and I want this one focused anyway. And I'm very tired. I hope this makes some sense.

One of the things Mr. Sam did was to teach us about appreciation and tolerance and love. We spent a great deal of time learning about slavery in his class, and we spent a lot of time talking about Dr. King. He read us a biography of his life, and taught us, actively, not to be discriminatory. He also tried to teach us about appreciating our country and our freedoms. He taught us about democracy and civil rights. My rights, his rights, your rights.

When I get so upset about some of the things that are happening in this country it's because I know, because of Mr. Sam, that things could be different. But, again, that's another discussion.

And so here's to Mr. Sam -- because of him this day isn't just another holiday, but a day to think and reflect because I was taught as a young white girl in Idaho who Dr. King was, and what so many people had fought for.