Today I attended the funeral of one of my High School teachers. He was an honorable man, who led his life by example.
His wife died just a few months prior to him. She was my kindergarten teacher and the person who comforted me as a 5-year-old when my brother died.
These two will always hold a special place in my heart.
I had seen the husband in August; at 90 years old he still had a twinkle in his eye and drew the attention of everyone when he walked through the door.
Since moving back to God’s Country, I have attended several of these, funerals of those who helped mold me. Each time I have been moved by eulogies that describe Godly men and women who were pillars of a small mountain town.
Today, as I sat inside this Church that has changed little since the first time I saw it as a young boy, I was moved by those who surrounded me.
There was my fifth grade teacher who always greeted her students with a comforting smile, who today shared that same smile when we said hello.
My vocabulary teacher was there, I hated her class. I loved her, but hated the class, daily tests on vocabulary words designed to enhance SAT scores wasn’t a social butterflies idea of necessary or a good time.
My second mother was there. My mama’s best friend for more than 40 years, I love her in ways that I can’t even express.
There was the Chemistry teacher, a treasure among treasures.
The coaches who inspired so many of us with their quiet and dignified pride, they were there too.
As we gathered together to pay our respects to a man who had led a life of inspiration, I was struck by how many others in the same room had shaped the community we all call home.
Today, I sat in a room of inspired lives. Men and women who have served, sacrificed and molded a town for generations.
These men and women, teachers who had come together to say good-bye to one of their own.
I realized these inspired citizens probably never received the thanks they deserve and I hope in some way they know how appreciated they each are.
Today, I thought about how these people had shaped my life. Given me examples I can live by and a dignity that I try my best to follow.
I appreciate these people, these men and women of honor, these people who dedicated their lives to making our community the best we can possibly be.
Today, I sat in a room of inspired lives and I am better because of each one of them.
An inspiring post. Thanks.
thank you for reading.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin were definitely treasures on this earth and are enjoying their treasure in heaven! Thank you for sharing!