How do we say thank you to someone who is no longer with us? It started with a childhood conversation about wanting to be a spy, which developed into a lifelong friendship of advice-giving, support, and answers. This is a story of a pastor, Joe Richards, influencing another pastor, Ryan Ahlgrim. Through decades of countless conversations and guidance, Joe showed Ryan the true essence of ministry. Years later, long after Joe’s passing, Ryan reflects and shares his gratitude to the mentor who helped him become the pastor he is today.

Access more episodes: thegratitudeletters.org

Guest

Ryan Ahlgrim

Credits

Executive Producer: Duane Stoltzfus

Host: Jen Shenk

Senior Producer & Sound Designer: Yebu Ji

Sound Engineering: Alex Dugger

Original Music: Hannis Brown

Marketing Manager: Melissa Troyer

Production Assistant: Hannah Smith

Audience Engagement Manager: Courtney Dobrzykowski

Music

Gratitude Project_Theme By Hannis Brown

Gratitude Project_Bounce By Hannis Brown

Gratitude Project_ConstellationTwo By Hannis Brown

Gratitude_HarmonicLong By Hannis Brown

GratitudeProject_Uplift By Hannis Brown

Levin and Harper from Blue Dot Sessions

Slow Strutt from Blue Dot Sessions

Felt Lining from Blue Dot Sessions

The Town And Country Square Dance By Zip Wilson

Und Galaxe by Blue Dot Sessions

The Gratitude Letters is created by the Communications Department at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, part of the More Than Just Stories project, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Some teachers you remember for a year. Some you remember for a lifetime.

Sixty-two years after kindergarten, James Gunden reads a letter of gratitude to Kathryn Aschliman.

In this Episode

“You’ll always be Miss Kathryn Aschliman to me.” The story of an extraordinary kindergarten teacher who went above and beyond for her students. 62 years later, James Gunden returns to thank his teacher for all the continuous love and support over a lifetime. They reflected on a long relationship of joyful giving. From learning to take care of pets to singing songs about chickens, little did Kathryn know of her impact on young James Gunden and so many others.

Guest

Kathryn Aschliman

James Gunden

Credits

Executive Producer: Duane Stoltzfus

Host: Jen Shenk

Senior Producer & Sound Designer: Yebu Ji

Sound Engineering: Grant Bachman & Alex Dugger

Original Music: Hannis Brown

Marketing Manager: Melissa Troyer

Production Assistant: Hannah Smith

Audience Engagement Manager: Courtney Dobrzykowski

Music

Gratitude Harmonic Long Hannis Brown

Gratitude Project Theme Hannis Brown

Gratitude Project Uplift Hannis Brown

Simple Melody from Blue Dot Sessions

Child's Play from Blue Dot Sessions

Glass Beads from Blue Dot Sessions

Dune Lullaby from Blue Dot Sessions

Evening White from Blue Dot Sessions

The Gratitude Letters is created by the Communication Department at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, part of More Than Just Stories project, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Social media

Website: thegratitudeletters.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thegratitudeletters

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGratitudeLetters

The Gratitude Letters is a podcast built on a simple premise: to honor the people who shaped us and inspire others to do the same, one letter at a time. Season 1 launches October 1st, with new episodes every other Thursday. Follow now so you don't miss the first one.