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An Open Letter to Grade 4 Challenger K8
September 29, 2019
Dear students of Mrs. Mullen,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for allowing Mrs. Mullen the opportunity to travel with me to Princeton, for a few days, last week.
You do not know me, but I am Mr. Mullen. I thought you might want to know why this trip was important to both of us. After all, Mrs. Mullen would not leave you unless there was a good reason.
So, I thought I should tell you some things about my favorite subject. That would be me. ( You are allowed to laugh at this).
Mrs. Mullen and I have been together, for some 45 years. For the last 30, I have had cancer. Stage 4 melanoma, which is a very serious disease. I have had continuous treatments, including, surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Mrs. Mullen left teaching to be with me, and help me with my work and my sickness. There were a few difficult times, but we managed to be happy, and always were hopeful of a cure.
That cure came a few years ago. Bristol -Myers Squibb, manufactured a new product, which became a major factor in eradicating my melanoma. Several years of infusion, lots of wonderful medical caregivers, along with our faith, our family and our friends, made a difference. I gained back my life.
That company invited us to come to their head office and laboratories in Princeton, to celebrate my success and the success of other patients. Mrs. Mullen thought this too important an occasion for us to miss.
You should also know some other things about me.
I like to write. I like to read, and I love sports. I play golf and do a lot of walking, for exercise. I love my family, and my friends, old and new. And I love Mrs. Mullen.
And do you know what else I love? You. Each and every one of you. How would I even know you, you might be wondering.
That would be a very good question, since I have not seen even one of you.
I realized, the other day, that Mrs. Mullen has never described any of you to me. She uses your names, but she has never mentioned your gender, your color or, in fact, any of your features. She only talks about your beauty.
I have no idea what you look like. But I know you by your hearts.
Each and every day, after school, I am told about your day. About how you cooperate with each other, and how you are respectful. Mrs. Mullen tells me of your positive attitudes and your quest to learn more. She tells me your stories and conversations. She thinks you are clever. And funny and comfortable with yourselves. And she tells me every night about how much she loves you. Each of you.
Thank you for allowing her to be with me for one of the most memorable events of my life. You have a special place in my heart, too, even though we have not met.
Mrs. Mullen has only one rule for you, and you probably know what that is. Do not embarrass her, and I hope you never do. That’s my job.
J. Robin Mullen
I wrote this while we were in Princeton, as guests of Bristol-Myers Squibb, last week. I intend to tell you all about this most amazing and moving experience next week. I am hopeful that I receive some pictures from their photographers, so that you might get some better understanding of what an event this was.
Hope all is well with you. I know a few of my friends are struggling right now, but know that you are in the front of my heart, and I pray you peace.
Next week, friends.
jrobinmullen@gmail.com
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