LETTERS: A LEGACY FOR EDUCATION

To the editor:

Here I am in the fall of my life with sad news from my doctor. I reflect back on my life and ask myself: What have I contributed to this world? What am I leaving as a legacy? I am not a mother who taught high morals and values to her descendants. I am not a teacher who molded children's minds, hopes and ambitions. I am not a minister to heal them spiritually. Nor am I a physician to administer to their physical needs. So what is my legacy?

Then my eyes fall on a newspaper article about the upcoming school tax issue, and I ask: Why not? I know the present buildings are old, too small and inadequate. If I obtained any success in this world, it was greatly because other citizens paid for the present older buildings where I attended classes.

I don't have a million dollars to construct and donate a school. I don't have the money to establish a scholarship or endowment fund. But some way I could come up with the money to pay the proposed school tax increase once each year.

My medical prognosis is mostly not life-threatening. It is probable loss of eyesight and the devastating side effects of the medication. In general, the remainder of my body is presently in good health. I have all my very own good teeth. I could live another 20 years. My mother did. Her two sisters did. But if I don't, perhaps someone else can finish the task for me.

Just think how many children would pass through those buildings where teachers could instill them with enough knowledge, ambition and drive to go out into the world and achieve great things for humanity.

Oh, yes. That's what I will do. I will vote for the issue.

Dear heart, what a legacy.

CECELIA SONDERMAN

Cape Girardeau