Last night a man I knew for quite some time popped into my head. I did an Internet search to see where he was at and I learned that he passed away two years ago. I was very sad, but not surprised, to learn that news.
This man played a valuable role in my life in many ways. He was an educator that I worked with, the kind of educator who made children smile a lot, and the kind of educator who often drove the leadership crazy with his non-traditional ways of reaching children.
At a time in my career when my life was over-the-top busy, this colleague brought joy and help into my life. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful ability to bring the human story out in any situation. For several years, we had a lot of laughs early in the morning prior to the school day as we had our morning cup of coffee.
He was interested in so many world events and the arts. He loved a good time, and did what he could to help anyone. Once when I got locked out of my house, he helped my son and I to gain entry via a window.
This man wasn't embraced by the greater world due to so many outdated, bigoted mindsets and behaviors. Yet, he persisted with many friends and many good times. He was a loving son who worked after school as a dishwasher to help afford and care for his mother who lived in a nursing home due to her poor health.
After his teaching career, this man moved to a beachside location where he lived amongst friends. He would call now and then to check in. The bigotry and prejudice he faced over time had taken a toll on his intellectual, loving, funfilled life--I could hear it in his voice, but that didn't affect his will for people to live good lives and the gratitude he had for the many good people he knew throughout life.
When I read of his passing, I was sad that we didn't have one last talk. I am happy to have known this good man--a man whose spirit will live on in the many lives he touched as a good friend, kind teacher, lover of the arts, and the happy spirit he spread. Blessings.