Gleaning Facebook: Robin Williams' Doppelgänger?

Well, shoot, I gotta save this! These words are surely exaggerated but they certainly make this old retired teacher feel ggod.

Gina Richardson was my student when she was in elementary school and I was teaching classes for gifted students at McHenry (and Pepperell) School. 

Here's a picture I took of her way back when:

Gina Richardson and Matthew Smart at McHenry School. Mid-eighties?

Today she posted this on my Facebook page:

You have always been MY Robin Williams... a never-ending source of inspiration, good will, and dedication. You are an undeniable example of what is good and admirable. You taught me to believe in myself, my talent, and my intelligence at a very young age. When I denied any existence of imagination in my mind, you pushed me to explore! I cannot say one bad thing about you. The impact you have had on the lives of sooo many young people as students and so many adults through you valiant efforts and fights for good causes is far-reaching and still remains to be seen. I just want to tell you this now, because I've always compared you in my mind to Mr. Robin Williams, that you are revered and I enjoy always the adventures you seek out to affect our world. Much love to you, 'Mr. Shaw'.

I replied to her:

Gina, I am so touched by your extravagant words. 

I know my foibles well. I am, in truth, a rank sinner. I am capable of great sloth and, as much as the next guy, I can be spiteful and mean when I get my back in a hump. 

But I have always loved my students and tried to put their well-being --- short- and long-term --- first. It is very rewarding to know that some of you felt that. What joy it is to reconnect, electronically at least, with so many younguns from way back. I think I have posted on Facebook a picture or two of little Gina Nicholson from your days in my Kaleidoscope classes.

Of course my oft-stated rule "Always laugh at Mr. Shaw's jokes." would have been unnecessary if I had had Robin Williams's comic genius.