M.Merica

Dear Mr. Lesser,

    I was lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to hear you speak today. I am a student at the Meadows School and just wanted to e-mail you my most sincere and heartfelt thank you. As a fighter against injustice in my community, I was moved and touched by your story, not simply because it was personal and tragic, but more so because of your wisdom. You taught me something today that I shall never forget and that is to be thankful and have the ability to forgive. It is easy for people in this day and age to take everything for granted but you are living proof of someone who is constantly aware of the blessings around them. I, at times, can even take my family for granted. Yet, after your beautiful speech all I wanted to do was hug and kiss them and voice my love for them. You have a way about you that is gentle and for you to have the ability to still have a strong, unshakable faith and a love for humankind is a true testament of the kind of man that you are. You are a beacon for what I want to become and the injustice and cruelty you underwent is something I will always fight against. I hope you know that there is hope in the young people of my generation who will keep your story alive. I make a personal vow to you to stop any type of discrimination that comes across me in my lifetime. You said that at the end of every speech your audience wishes for something tangible, and even though I took three of the pins for safe keeping it was your story and your empowering presence that resounds in me to be the most tangible. Thank you for sharing your life with me and allowing me to be apart of your memories.

Warmest Regards,
Michelle Merica