The greatest Teachers

The greatest teachers we could ever ask for,
were once among you and me walking the streets,
going to work, making a living, living a life,
probably very rarely thinking about all that we would learn from them.

The greatest teachers we could ever ask for were once a friend to many.
Sharing a laugh, sharing a memory, sharing personal details,
things that only the best of friends know.
Sharing a love, sharing a life, and sharing a soul with the one they care most about.

The greatest teachers we could ever ask for never even knew any of us,
yet had the courage, and the willingness to be there for us,
no matter how early or late.
They shared with us all we could ever ask for, and we were eager to dive in,
and find out all there is to know.

The greatest teachers we could ever ask for were people we don't even know,
but ones we know everything about.
They will forever be with us, still teaching and reminding us every step of the way.

They were more than notes, or lectures, or presentations.
They were the greatest people that we will have ever met.

I thank every one of them.
For the greatest gift one could ever give.

Jeffrey North MD, 2003