My former students at James Otis will always hold a very special place in my experiences as a teacher. Although I will miss them dearly, I still visit them from time to time, while driving to my new job at A.N. Pritzker. I personally thank Maria, an intellectually sharp Puerto Rican girl who inspired me to sub-title this book My First and New Love. This book is an autobiography of my life as a student, teacher, and minister. My first love, which is an overwhelming fascination of the Spanish language, serves as a prelude that is intricately interwoven with my new love, which is an awesome respect for the Word of God. It is my desire, hope, and prayer that the reader of this manuscript will be blessed with a new insight and understanding of how this natural love is connected to a far greater spiritual love. She was a light that guided me through my darkest journey.I fell in love with her beauty at the tender age of 16.She was the only thing that motivated me for success.I have a desire to share her knowledge with you.Some may say she is boring, but I think she is exciting! I fell in love again with my new love at the age of 30.He is my Bright and Morning Star and His Word is Absolute Truth.He found me, and loved me when I was unlovable.Some may say He never existed, and therefore not believe.But I believe by faith, because He lives within me. -Walter Blair, 2004 Since the beginning of time, humans have fallen in love with many different interests in the world such as art, music, dance, people, sports, culture, history, science, religion, and more. My love for learning the Spanish language has opened up many doors of opportunity in translating, interpreting, tutoring, teaching, and ministering.