Several weeks ago, I read a post from a fellow WP blog TheALK3RPost
Their post titled ‘Abraham Lincoln’s Famous Letter to His Son’s Teacher’ resonated with me.

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As I read the letter, I was thinking about what is taking place in my life now; what life is teaching me. Cancer has helped transform me into a better person. How is this so? Life is short – even when it is long.
I am not always a good person. But can I be better? Yes – and cancer can help.
As I currently take a journey with cancer, I remind myself, what is important? What am I doing that can make a difference or not make a difference?
Am I just here to exist? It there a reason for cancer in my body? How does it affect me? How do I affect others?
Many questions with some answers. So how does Abraham Lincoln’s letter to a teacher affect me today?
To read the complete letter Abraham Lincoln wrote visit TheALK3RPost blog by clicking this link: Abraham Lincoln’s Famous Letter to His Son’s Teacher
Here are some excerpts from that letter Lincoln wrote many years ago –
“My son starts school today. It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while and I wish you would treat him gently. It is an adventure that might take him across continents. All adventures that probably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. To live this life will require faith, love and courage.
So dear Teacher, will you please take him by his hand and teach him things he will have to know, teaching him – but gently, if you can.
Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend. He will have to know that all men are not just, that all men are not true.
Teach him to learn how to gracefully lose, and enjoy winning when he does win.
Steer him away from envy if you can and teach him the secret of quiet laughter.
Teach him if you can – how to laugh when he is sad, teach him there is no shame in tears.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is doing it.
Teach him to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind, in God.
This is the order, teacher but see what best you can do. He is such a nice little boy and he is my son.”

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For over a year now, my teacher is cancer.
My cancer is teaching me many things about life, about others, but more importantly about myself.
Living with or without Cancer Terry-we learn everyday! Sunshine Hugs from South Florida.
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Absolutely – life is about learning, but there are things I am learning because of cancer. 🙂
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I totally resonate with what you’re saying in this post, Terry. Our illness and/or sudden life changing circumstances can become our teacher, our guides into places that we most probably would never have explored. Be well today my friend. 🙂
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Thank you Alexis for understanding and relating. I appreciate you stopping by – hope your day is going well for you! 🙂
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The greatest teacher is life itself but to learn we have to be prepared to listen even when we don’t want to hear what is being taught!
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Yes, I agree Osyth – thank you dear! Hope you are seeing some sunshine your way – it is down right hot here today! 🙂
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Shut UP! Hot is done and dusted here though I should not complain …. it’s unseasonably warm at 50 something degrees and the sun is swinging from its chandelier! The Bean and I had a gorgeous walk by the river and all is good in the world … happy Thursday (I was born on a Thursday so I always think they should be happy!) to you all in Pensacola (which I just love saying … it sounds so exotic!)
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I knew there was a reason why Thursdays were special! 🙂
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There is a purpose for your life. God loves you. Your family and friends love you. You have a kind and sensitive heart that speaks volumes to us. Have a special day..cause you are special! 🙏
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Thank you very much – happy day to you my friend! 🙂
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Yep.. terry…
experience does teaches..
and it’s what you take from it that counts..and how you apply it to make that difference…
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Yes, I agree – learning and not doing anything with the knowledge would be a waste! Thank you – Happy Thursday! 🙂
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I had to check out the letter in its entirety and the love Abe Lincoln had for his son is so telling in his words. This was such an insightful post Terry, I wish you well.
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Thank you Steph, I am glad you read the entire letter – it certainly is well worth reading. 🙂
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I’m glad you shared it. I never knew about this little piece of history.
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Profound thoughts, Terry
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Thank you very much Derrick! 🙂
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That was quite a sincere letter, that was written.
Life has it’s many lessons for each and everyone of us. One thing is for sure, no matter what age we are, we never stop learning. What fascinates me, is we also never know what the next lesson will be. Be well my friend, and hope you are having a lovely day 🙂
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Yes, life is certainly full of many lessons, and they never end! Thanks Lynne, my day is lovely – warm and sunny! 🙂
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I love the letter, such a gentle reminder of the power of teaching and teachers.
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Yes, I do also – it had great meaning for me when I read it. Thank you Bridget for your comment – always appreciated! 🙂
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I read it years ago, even dared to translate it. One of those pieces I will never forget. 🙂
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Each day life teachers us something new.. Thank you for sharing this letter Terry.. We all need to learn..
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You are welcome Sue, thanks for stopping by today – hope all is well with you today! 🙂
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thank you and yes all is well in my world thank you Terry.. xxx
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Your interpretation of cancer being your teacher is very thought-provoking, Terry. I hope you are having a good day!
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Thank you Kathryn – I am having a good day.
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So lovely and full of meaning Terry! love this post xxx
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Thank you Lynn – very glad you liked it. How is everything going with you? 🙂
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Things are ok. Thanks for asking Terry xx
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This letter struck a chord with me, too. Beautiful post, Terry.
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Thank you Jennie, have a wonderful day my friend! 🙂
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You are welcome. Have a great Friday.
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What a wonderful letter and your own words too, you show such courage.
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Thank you Anna – I appreciate that very much. Have a happy day my friend. 🙂
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Good weekend and stay safe.
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This was beautiful Terry!
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Thank you Blue, I appreciate you very much – hope you have a great weekend. 🙂
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Deep thinking, Terry, as always…
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Thank you Sarah! 🙂
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