Dear Me,

   Today marks the 400 year anniversary of the death of one of the world's talented playwright's, William Shakespeare.
I learned to love Shakespeare when I was in high school.  For me, he represented the culture, sophistication and academia I dreamed of coming from a small town in Alberta, My parents were (and still are) from working class stock, but they both instilled in my brother and I that education was very important.  Of course, when they meant education, it was finishing high school and then going on to take a secretarial course or something.  To me it meant something else entirely.
To me it meant going to university and getting a degree.  I was lucky enough to finish one semester of university before my health went down hill, in a fairly fast fashion.  But it was a time I absolutely adored and consider one of the best times of my life.  The only regret I have is that I never got to finish.
I can also thank him (or curse him) with obsession with all things English as far as history goes.  He opened a door into a world I longed to explore full time.  I wanted to get my teaching degree and then spend my time touring every corner of that magnificent country.
I was lucky enough that two years ago today, I got to visit the U.K and France.  The two places I squealed like a little school girl, was visiting Shakespeare's childhood home in Stratford-upon-Avon and Versailles Palace in France.
So here is to you Mr. Shakespeare.
May you always reign supreme.