Dear Atticus Finch,
To begin may I just say that I admire your everlasting courage and fortitude. You are my hero, my knight in shining armor (in a non-romantic way of course). I truly admire how you stood by Tom Robinson even though everyone was against him because of the color of his skin. Sure you were forced by the court to be his attorney, but still you truly believed his story and you wanted to give him equal rights just like the rest of us have.
I also admire you as a parent. I love that you allow Scout to express herself and you encourage her to do so. Unlike Aunt Alexandra, you never tried to force her to be more ladylike or suppressed her interesting personality. As a tomboy myself, I can honestly say that I wish more people like you would give me the same courtesy. As for Jem I am really glad that you helped him to grow up when he needed it most. After he destroyed Mrs. Dubose's flowers I wasn't exactly sure what you would do, but you pulled through. I am sure that Jem is a better man for it today.
When that awful school teacher told Scout that she was no longer allowed to read I about exploded. Let's just say that you handled the situation a lot more calmly then I would have. There is yet another thing I can admire you for. Although I am not completely sure that I agree with your decision to make Scout keep going to school. She could have learned more from you and Calpurnia in a day then after a year at that place. Saying that I must also add that I understand why she had to go back. It taught her some much needed self control.
On the subject of Dill, you were always good to him. Perhaps you knew that someday he wanted to marry little Scout. Is that why you were so caring toward the boy? Possibly you just thought he needed a strong father figure in his life, I know I most certainly did. You are a very complex man, Mr. Finch, I will give you that.
As for your past I have many questions. How exactly did you get to be the best shot in Maycomb County? Is there a reason why you are the perfect example of a philanthropist? After the trial were you ever fearful that Mr. Ewell might actually get his revenge on you? Did you and Miss Maudie have a thing back in the day? Or am I simply imagining the chemistry between you two?
Atticus, you taught me the meaning of to kill a mockingbird, which is to never harm anything that is innocent in its very nature. My only wish is that the Ewells had known and understood the same lesson. Actually I wish that everyone in Maycomb County knew this, but I suppose that you have to start somewhere. The spreading of equal human rights always starts with one small act and that is all that it takes to change the world.
A true admirer,
iluvparker