"Dear Dr. Nelson, I admit, I’m shocked I’m writing this. It still feels like a bad dream and I keep hoping that we’ll get an email saying it was a disgusting joke. This isn’t a joke though. I don’t know how different the school will be without you, I don’t know how it could be the same. You brought so much good to us and made such a big difference, here and when serving our country, I hope you know that. You have been such an inspiration to so many of us and I dreamt of the day I would walk across that stage, diploma in hand and see you. Unfortunately that won’t happen anymore. I’m so sorry I put you through so many of my crazy ideas and you had to listen. I’m sorry that most of the school only saw the scary principal, not the amazingly hilarious man who comforted my mother after I fainted because he really cared. I’m also sorry that you don’t get to see how much you changed us all. What you did for someone you never met will not go unnoticed. Your generosity is unrivaled and we as Westfield High School will make your spirit live on. I know, deep down you’re still here. Every time someone lends a hand, you will be there. Thank you for everything. Thank you for providing a million laughs and telling us all to have “big, big fun”. Thank you for coming to homecoming in your sweats to dance 1 song then leave. Thank you for actually caring about what your students have ot say. Thank you for serving our country. Thank you for everything. Heaven is lucky to have you, “when God took you back he said, Hallelujah, You’re home.” Thank you Dr. Nelson