DEAR ABBY: The letter about the teaching nun reminded me of the only teacher who treated me like I was someone special. His name was Mr. Fleming, and he was a teacher at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Ill. I was a student there between 1966 and 1969.
I came from a large family. I had no confidence whatsoever and was suicidal at times. No one paid any attention to me, and I was going downhill. Then classes started, and all of a sudden there was this teacher who made each and every one of us feel important and that we could accomplish anything. Needless to say, there was always perfect attendance in his class.
The sister who instructed her students to each write down something nice about their fellow students was truly inspired. Luckily, I had Mr. Fleming -- but for students who are not so fortunate, the sister's idea could be a real blessing. Teen-agers' feelings are so tender and fragile. -- BEEN THERE IN PARKLAND, FLA.
DEAR BEEN THERE: Many former students have had teachers who influenced their lives in positive ways long after their school years were over. A wonderful way to repay the kindness is to write the teachers a letter and tell them what a difference they made. Such a letter would become a treasured keepsake.