Few teachers, I wager, have had the privilege I had last month. On the 15th I got a text from a former student who asked about a question on my botany final in the late 70s. He wanted to know the difference between miners lettuce and spring beauty, for one thing. That was decades ago. I was flattered he would even remember. (The final lab practical was to go out to the field by the creek and collect wild greens for a salad. We would make the salad in class, naming the plants and details, eating the final was optional but most students did...fun class.) The conversation went well into the night. He was so remarkable, loved ideas, nature, people. He never let on that he was dealing with some medical issues...which I still do not understand. A relationship was is a Rocky place and he needed to talk but he never got sour or self pitying. Again, on the 18th we texted late on many things, physics, music, movies, politics, some on religion (he was spiritual but not religious in how most would interpret that). The main thread of this session was to set up a BBQ at his house on the 26th. We were both excited about reuniting with a set of remarkable high school colleagues. Again, he did not dwell on the relationship issues going on. He frequently marveled at the quality of people who were in his life. {a reflection of the quality they saw in him! Im thinking.} Sadly, he had to cancel the BBQ days later to run to the aid of his brother who was ill. The next I heard, he himself had died suddenly. I never learned the details, but I know he lived with quality to the end. He was a shining light, full of delight with living. I will cherish those texting hours. Few teachers have the honor of such a connection with such a quality student and friend, before the candle burnt out and it became too late.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 05:47:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015