It happened again Sunday. Was paying the ticket at Calico County, and the cashier recognized me.

“Dr. Bellah, remember me?”

“Of course; what’s your name again?”

“Andrea B. I had you—let’s see—2006, I think.”

“Sure. How are you, Andrea?”

“Of course you remember me. I was special.” Her grin was both mischievous and eerily familiar.

And I did remember. Not Andrea, but the Andreas –the special students who have graced my classes at AC.

I remember their curiosity and hunger to learn, their initial fear—then confidence in writing, their fresh, honest, insightful and passionate essays, their optimism, hopefulness, playfulness and, yes, laughter.

Oh, how I will miss their laughter!