I am a male in my mid-30s, and my elderly former tutor—I guess she's in her 80s or 90s now—visited my home three times a week after school to tutor me from when I was seven until my early teens.
I fondly remember her tutoring me in my childhood. One weekend, she invited me to her house, and I met some of her grandchildren.
The last time I saw her was in 2002, about two years before I completed my high school education. Shortly after, she sent us a Christmas card wishing our family, and I didn't bother to write back. That year was the last time I saw or heard from her.
After so many years, until the Christmas of 2022, she randomly came to mind when I was reminiscing about my childhood. I wondered, "How is she doing after so many years with no contact?" "Is she still alive?" "How would she react if I were to show up on her doorstep with a Christmas card?"
Because we had not spoken for so many years, I felt I hadn't shown her the appreciation she deserved for tutoring me. So, I wrote her a card to let her know I remembered her and had fond memories of her.
As I made my way to her house, I was excited to see her and give her the Christmas card. No one answered when I knocked on her door, so I checked the windows. My world turned upside down when I saw signs that she was no longer living there. So, I asked her neighbours, and they informed me that she had passed away about ten years ago.
After hearing the sad news, I regretted not contacting her and sending her a card many years ago.
Fast-forward to recently, photography of plants and animals is a part of my hobby. I posted some photos on a Facebook group specifically for the local area. I received many likes until I saw her exact name in my notifications. I checked her profile photo, and she looked like the same person. I thought I had lost hope.
I thought about messaging her with something like, "Hello. Are you the person who tutored me over 20 years ago? Your name sounds very familiar. If so, I have fond childhood memories of being tutored by you."
I doubt she can see the hidden message. I also considered inviting her to a coffee place or something because I don't want to have any regrets in the future.