They Impacted My Life

Somehow, through the halls of Junior High School, it became appearant to me that I would be a teacher. Why? I'm not sure. There was Mrs. Yancy (6th grade) who couldn't keep her left bra strap up on her shoulder. Her continuous motion of reaching across to reset that strap drove me crazy! 7th grade, Mrs. Kitchens...Social Studies. She knew her stuff, held my attention and actually taught me some stuff.
As I reflect today, however, two dynamic individuals made wide treadmarks on my life. For some reason through third grade, I hated school, was fearful of 'them' and wished to be at home, on the farm. But when I entered fourth grade, a blessing walked into my life. It was Mrs. Brode. She was elegant, kind, patient and so very nurturing. Somehow she knew how to warm your heart and enable you to engage at peace. I never feared her, her classroom or her assignments. It was just a safe harbor for me every morning of the fourth grade year. She impacted my young life and earned my love.
Second tremendous teacher (and I've written of her in the past) was Mrs. Mabel Legg, Senior English at LaVega High School. She was LaVega High School. She stood perhaps 5'4", slightly rounded shoulders, gray hair pulled back, loosely, and she appeared as gentle and kind as my grama Davis. Her thin, wire rim glasses hugged her face and her pale blue sweater graced her shoulders. She was slight in frame and moved gently about the classroom. She had a Teacher's Edition, but it was just for looks! Mrs. Legg had that entire text book memorized. Simply amazing and truly something to witness as we moved through our Literature book.
Those two teachers planted the vision within me to become an educator. Notice I said 'educator'. I believe the 'best' teachers in the world were/are those who are educating the whole child. They are not simply teaching a lesson for the day to earn one more dollar..they are teacher, counselor, surrogate parent, friend, safety and so much more to the student. I'm speaking especially about the K-8 grade level.
Once I entered the 'realm' of the classroom, I had a personal mission to impact childrens' lives. Many students arrived on campus all together and 'with it' for the day. They came from solid homes, sound parents and a life that enriched them at different levels. Those kiddos were energized and could be strong assistants in a classroom, creating a dynamic climate and culture for the period. We were in 'learning mode'.
Other students arrived at the door in bits and pieces, tired, hair needing a good wash, scruffy looking in their clothes and totally confused about life in general. Those were the students who needed a safe harbor to land in once a day. That was one of my most important goals as a classroom teacher. Create an inviting environment, engage in learning and share some smiles throughout.
They say if you hear from one student throughout life that says 'thank you' for being my teacher...you have experienced success. I often wondered about that until the day Karen Donnelly walked into my office at Connally Jr. High.
As I lifted my eyes from my desktop to see if someone had crept in behind me, I was somewhat startled. There was this beautiful young lady, standing with a sweet smile across her lips. Her blue eyes twinkled and she lifted a finger as she pointed at me saying, "you don't remember me, do you Coach Freedman? You were always so bad at names!" Well, that was true. But, there was something about her and the voice.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightening flew across my gray matter. B A M!! I said, very cautiously, "Karen Donnelly? Is that you?" She shook her head and the smile broadened as she bent over to hug my neck. I was completely in shock and awe. Had she come to 'do me in' or what?
Karen played basketball for me and ran track...7th/8th grade. She ran the 880 which was two laps around the track. I put her through challenging workouts daily, she had to meet certain times at various points of her runs. But, she was a strong minded gal. One day she didn't care for her workout and walked to middle of the football field to fall face down kicking and flailing arms as she cried/screamed I hate track.
Calmly... I walked towards her and began to encourage her to (save her life) stand up, get control and go on to the dressing room. Her workout was over before it started that day. With hesitance she went, frequently throwing glances back over her shoulder at me and the other coaches running workouts from the starting line.
That weekend, she made her move for retaliation. We were at Gatesville HS, Junior High Track Meet. Karen was an eighth grader. I had her warmed up and primed...reminded her to be on her toes and get in the right 'heat' as they called them out. There she stood, on the football field, a few yards back from the starting line. Where was I? I was leaning on the fence down at the final turn with stop watch in hand. I timed my kids as they ran their heats to know where we were.
I heard, "Runners to your marrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkk, Readdddyyyyyy, BAMMMM" and they were off. It was a flying first 220 around the first curve and on to the final curve. There I stood in disbelief. Karen Donnelly was flying...awesome...great time...big 'ol smile on her face as shouted, "See, Coach, I told you how good I was, you shoulda listened at practice." She threw her hand up and waved at me and I smiled awaiting her second turn around that final curve. As she waved the second time, I shouted, "great job, be sure and tell them you are an 8th grader though, you're in the 7th GRADE HEAT!!"
As she slowed and almost stumbled, I added...."And, Karen, finish the race...do not stop!!!" She finished, she had great dislike for me for a couple of weeks and finally, her parents relocated. Bye-bye!
Five years later, there she stood. Finally I said, "what brings you here Karen? We didn't always agree, did we?" She smiled and replied in a somewhat humble tone of voice, "No, I threw tantrums and didn't always listen. But, we left here and moved to Spring, Texas. I ran track there, Coach, and I have a scholarship to college now." I was elated to hear that...before I could respond, she added, "I've come back to say Thank You. You were tough on me...but because of you, I was successful." Those were tremendous comments and compliments. She was the first of three throughout my career to acknowledge "I made a difference."
At retirement, they made a special Book of Memories. I'm not sure about you, but I always wondered after everything, how'd I do? One of the Assistant Principal's in the district wrote the following to me:
"Pat - Best, best wishes for a grrreatt retirement! I'm sure you will begin a new career (doing something) because it's hard to keep you off of the track and not giving something a 100% whether it's a job, a cause, a service, etc. You always do a good job at whatever you do - your people skills are sincere and very strong, as well. Character Ed. is a valuable tool in education and thanks to you, it is a strong program among us!
Thanks for all of these years!" Love, MD
I had arrived. I'd been there, done that and perhaps gave it 'my bestest shot'! There were other kind remarks, but those individuals were sincere folks...not game players. I tried. I loved it. I earned the 'formula' and I changed directions.
Backgrounds, family experiences, friends and life experiences enable us to travel our destinations. Some are done well and some, perhaps we could have done a little better.
I'm one day closer to surgery. One day closer to Lap Band. One day closer to serious life change. One day closer to a new phase of my life.
Perhaps in late January, I'll be reflecting upon the experience of surgery. But, through it all, when I pause and let my mind roam, I find niches of my past that bring me back to a complete 5'8" and allow me to go again.
I hope someone in your life made a tremendous impact on you. More so, I hope you have told someone 'thank you' for caring. It's never too late to make a 'mark' on someone's day. Think about it...what will you say?