This entire post is a transcript of a text I received tonight from a former student (I'm withholding their name until I have their permission to use it):

"You, Mr. P have been so inspirational to me. Way more than you would think. Knowing you for the past 4 years of my life has been the best 4 years ever. You give me the courage to push through things that are difficult, you give me the confidence to do things that I never thought I would be able to do, and the strength to take life's situations head on and not let them kick me in the ass. If it wasn't for you and meeting you 4 years ago, I don't think I would be where I am to this day. That senior year was the best ever.  I learned so much from you and was able to trust someone and know that they cared for me. You inspired me to go to college because I was honestly thinking about not going because I didn't think it was for me. I admire your strength and commitment to people and to get through life's situations. You are a true inspiration to me, Mr. P. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have a friend like you who supports me, cares about me, pushes me, and shows me it's okay to struggle and be depressed but it's about if you are going to let it control you or if you are going to fight through it and come out stronger. I have wanted to give up so many times but you have taught me to fight through it and that I will come out stronger in the end. I love you Mr. P."

Who wouldn't cry at receiving such a text?  To be honest, most of the affirmations I've quoted here end with those words, I love you, Mr. P. Or, "We love you, Mr. P."  I usually leave those out of the quotes, but I just couldn't this time...

I love you, too ___________  (insert student name here).  I love all my students...

Good night.