Three Letters from Teddy – A Story of Leadership and Humanity
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I share this story because it changed my life. Three Letters from Teddy was first published in 1976, and I first heard it as a child at O’Shea Kelleher Elementary School, when my teacher, Mrs. Díaz de León, read it to us. I will never forget how deeply it touched me—the lesson that one caring human can completely transform another’s life. That moment shaped the way I see leadership, service, and human connection. It reminds me, every day, that what we do for others goes far beyond tasks or transactions—we have the power to inspire, to lift, and to change lives, just like Mrs. Thompson did for Teddy.
Mrs. Thompson stood in front of her class on the first day of school and told her students what every teacher says: “I love you all the same.” But in her heart, she knew that wasn’t true. Sitting in the front row was Teddy Stallard, a withdrawn little boy who didn’t fit in. His clothes were messy, his hair unkempt, and his face often carried a distant look. He rarely engaged, and when he did, it was usually with frustration.
The truth was, Mrs. Thompson didn’t enjoy teaching Teddy. He was difficult to connect with, and she silently wished he weren’t in her class. But everything changed the day she opened his file.
Teddy’s first-grade teacher had written: “Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners. He is a joy to be around.”
His second-grade teacher noted: “Teddy is an excellent student, well-liked by classmates, but troubled because his mother is very ill.”
His third-grade teacher added: “His mother’s death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father shows little interest, and his home life will soon affect him if nothing is done.”
By the fourth grade: “Teddy is withdrawn, doesn’t show much interest in school, and has few friends. He often sleeps in class.”
Reading those words broke Mrs. Thompson’s heart. She realized the problem wasn’t that Teddy was lazy or uninterested. Teddy was hurting. And he needed more than just lessons—he needed compassion.
From that day forward, Mrs. Thompson stopped teaching subjects and started teaching humans. She gave Teddy extra attention, encouraged him when he showed effort, and celebrated even small successes. Slowly, Teddy began to change. He lifted his head more often. He smiled occasionally. His schoolwork improved. By the end of the year, he was one of her brightest students.
Years passed. One day, Mrs. Thompson found a letter in her mailbox:
“Dear Mrs. Thompson, I wanted you to be the first to know. I’m graduating from high school, second in my class. Thank you for believing in me.”
Several years later another letter arrived:
“Dear Mrs. Thompson, I wanted you to be the first to know. I’m graduating from college, first in my class. It hasn’t been easy, but I remember what you taught me. Thank you for believing in me.”
And then, the most touching letter of all:
“Dear Mrs. Thompson, I wanted you to be the first to know. I am now Theodore F. Stallard, M.D. I’m getting married soon, and I would like you to sit in the place reserved for my mother. You are the closest thing I have to family. Thank you for believing in me.”
On his wedding day, Mrs. Thompson took her seat in the front row, filled with pride and tears in her eyes. Teddy leaned close and whispered, “Thank you for making me feel important. Thank you for showing me that I mattered.” She smiled back and said, “Teddy, you taught me that I don’t just teach reading, writing, and arithmetic. I teach humans. And you are one of the most important lessons of my life.”
Reflection on Leadership
This story isn’t just about a boy and his teacher—it’s about what happens when someone chooses to truly see another human. It’s about leadership at its core: not authority, not power, but influence with a foundation of care and consistency.
What do we learn from this story?
Small acts of attention create lifelong impact.
A smile, encouragement, or a simple acknowledgment can change the course of someone’s life.Leaders teach humans, not just skills.
Whether in a classroom, a coffee shop, or a business, leadership is about nurturing humans, not just managing tasks.Resilience is fueled by belonging.
Teddy’s transformation happened because someone finally believed in him. Humans rise when they feel seen, heard, and valued.
GROW GROW GROW.
Questions for Your Team
As leaders at 787 Coffee, how can we notice the “Teddy” in our baristas—the ones who may be struggling quietly?
What small, consistent actions can we take to remind our baristas that they are not just employees, but valued humans?
How can we extend this same compassion and attention to the beautiful humans we serve every day—our guests?
How can we practice this with the beautiful humans we collaborate with—our teammates, vendors, and partners?
What would change in our coffee shops if every interaction was treated not as a transaction, but as a chance to remind another human: “You matter”?
3 Things You Should Learn from This Article:
See the Human, Not Just the Role
Behind every barista, manager, or customer is a human story. Just like Teddy, some of the people around us may be carrying invisible struggles. When leaders take the time to see the human first, loyalty, motivation, and growth follow naturally.Small Actions Create Lasting Impact
Mrs. Thompson didn’t change Teddy’s life overnight—it was through consistent encouragement, attention, and care. In business, the same principle applies: small, consistent gestures of recognition and appreciation can transform employee morale and customer experience.Leadership is Influence Through Care
True leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about the ability to inspire and shape others by believing in them. Businesses that adopt this mindset create cultures where humans thrive—employees become engaged, customers feel valued, and collaboration flourishes.