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"IN MEMORY OF MARY LOGSDON" - IN NOTE SECTION OF CHECK

JULY 22, 2006 - "A TEACHER'S FIRST JOB IS TO PUT THEMSELVES OUT OF A JOB". (MARK LOGSDON)

FROM A FORMER STUDENT OF MARY LOGSDON

Hello, Mr. Logsdon!  I feel a little weird to email you, but I saw you in the paper and just had to write.  I was lucky enough to have your wife as my first grade teacher, way back in 1976 at good ol' Kramer Elementary.  She was an extraordinary woman that I will never forget.  She was so kind and encouraging, I can't remember her ever raising her voice! 
 
She took us to McDonalds when we got a Happy Gram home, and wow, that was the biggest deal!  She took me under her wing, and helped me deal with my mom being away for a spell when my sister was born with complications.  We made our own books in class, and mine won the Young Author's contest for poetry.  She was so proud of me..it was awesome!  I'll never forget her being at the awards ceremony with me. 
 
I don't think I could have loved her more.  At age six..I wanted to be Mrs. Logsdon!   I think she would be happy to know I am now a teacher, too!  The work you are doing is wonderful, and the love you have for your wife is palpable.  I am so sorry for your loss, and I just wanted to let you know what a remarkable woman I thought she was.  I wish you the best in your ride, and I hope you are doing ok.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
In peace, Mary Groesbeck Prosic
MY RESPONSE:

Oh Mary, nothing would have made my wife more happy than to know that you had become a teacher. It was a very important aspect of her personality, let alone her career. She loved her students.
 
Even when she was so sick, she made every attempt to teach and to be a teacher for her students. Right to the end, she talked about going to a new school. If you get the chance, take a walk around the Admin building, which used to be Elizabeth Little School. We planted a tree and a marker in memory of Mary. The tree is a maple and is getting bigger. It will provide shade for the little tykes who attend the day care on that side of the building.
 
I hope that my efforts help in some small way to at least find a good test that can detect Ovarian Cancer in its earlier stages. The best thing would be to find a cure for it, like has been done for cervical cancer.
 
Don't feel weird about writing me. Know that you have touched my heart, and the hearts of those who will read this. You are one of the reasons that Mary loved to teach. You and those like you are her legacy. She led by example and you were one of those who understood that, even at such a young age. She taught so you would, too.
 
Thanks for your thoughts. See the link below to follow the trip I am taking. By the way, know that you were the topic of discussion on more than one occasion. As soon as I read your name, I remembered those kitchen stories. They were positive in nature, and delivered with a smile.
 
Mark

JULY 22, 2006

It is a strange and gratifying experience to hear from former students who have remembered your efforts in helping to shape their lives. I have had that opportunity twice in two days. Last night's dinner with Mike Fletcher was full of absolutely intriguing conversation delivered in Mike's patented no holds barred style. The cool thing is, he was right on the mark. That impressed me. It also impressed my friend Norm who accompanied us. Then I got a call from another former student who is also out here in LA. The thing was he was in Muskegon, Michigan, having a vacation with his family. Very cool. He came out to meet me after the plane landed at LAX and we had lunch and, again very stimulating conversation. His friend Susan came along and it was as if I had known her for years as well. I like that. There will be pictures up on the web as soon as I can make that happen. I have moved a bit farther up the coast, but I guess I am still in or near LA.