Well that was nice! — Cameron for Golden

I heard from a former student at Lakewood HS and exchanged a couple emails. They always say when you’re a teacher, that you “never know what impact you may make on a student”. True true. Perhaps you can reach out to someone as Alex did to me, and make their day.

Mr. Cameron,

I was in your chemistry class at LHS in 2013. I came across some old emails and found an exchange I had with you shortly after my father passed away.

I just wanted to let you know that the way you handled that news and looked after me was deeply impactful and something I think fondly about. I am excited to see that you're still active in the community and hope life after retiring from teaching is relaxing and fulfilling.

I'm a software engineer for Lockheed working remotely from NYC while my wife pursues a PhD in Clinical Psych at John Jay College. I had a winding path through life after high school, but the care you and others showed me kept me moving. So, thank you.

Hope you're well. Thanks again.

-Alex Sanford, LHS Class of '13

Alex,

What a pleasure to get this note from you. I'd love for you to send a picture to jog my feeble mind. I'm glad I had a positive impact on you. I'm enjoying retirement. As you found me at my city council address, you know that part of me. But I'm also active in other ways. I helped stand up a group called Up2UsGolden that is fighting for Truth, Rights, and Democracy. The picture I am attaching was taken earlier today. So, mountain biking on a Monday on the way back from a camping trip (and biking) is a big part of my life too. Coincidently the vest I'm wearing is from the "double triple" bypass ride that was in....2013! Coincidently also my nephew works here for Lockheed Martin also in software, a platform called Radiant Mercury. That's all I know since it's spook stuff.

Next to “Monument Rock”, in Monument Colorado

Mr. Cameron,

Great to hear back from you so quick! Love the photo. Looks absolutely gorgeous with the bright blue sky. I do miss the trails and the mountains, but I always make sure to at least come back for some snowboarding every winter.

Throwing in some recent photos. The one in the lights was during a visit back home to the Denver Botanic Gardens! I'll have to find an older photo somewhere with my short hair from high school, but hopefully these help jog your memory. Getting through my high school years was very difficult, and I was probably not the most outgoing kid, but a core memory from that time was you coming over to my table and giving me a hug without saying a word or making a bigger deal about it. It's still one of the best examples in my life of strength and compassion.

Thanks for letting me know about the group you put together. We are living through some incredibly hard-to-believe times, and it's good to know there is still some sanity around.

Glad to hear you're doing well.

-Alex

Alex,

The memory jog was successful! Though I don't remember the hug, I still enjoy a good hug and give and receive them freely, as should we all. Quite touching. Hopefully you are in a good space. Supporting your wife in her studies is admirable and meaningful. Not every man is strong enough to do that. My Dad, after getting his MD didn't support my Mom as she tried to pursue hers. It led to much strife and discontent. So I greatly admire you for doing so for your wife.

Peace,

Don