Saturday, August 10, 2019

93 AND COUNTING


    A few days ago we celebrated a 93rd birthday for the fellow in the chair. 

    He's always been special to us as we all came to the same school about the same time. We were in our 20's and he was early 40's. He took us under his wing in many ways. He knew that most of us were young, lost and struggling. He made us welcome in the school and community. He showed us a lot of ropes. He could teach and he insisted that everyone else do their best and he was always willing to show you. 

    I team taught with him in science. We set up a lab approach to teaching science. We spent a few late nights and weekends developing the program which others borrowed. We had our own definition of team teaching. We had a few other things that were unorthodox. We had our kettle on a Bunsen burner. We always had hot water for instant coffee unless the kettle boiled dry. 

   Seven of us usually gather for a celebration. We are all in our 70's and the birthday boy was 93.

   He lives in a nursing home and is battling with Parkinson's but still enjoys a good visit.

    He was a very good mentor to us but never wants to take credit for what he did,.

29 comments:

  1. Happy birthday to the birthday boy! It's great that you guys still visit with and make time for him. He sounds like a terrific human being as well as a great teacher.

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    1. We always enjoyed getting together and he was usually in the middle of it.

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  2. How blessed you are to have such long and strong friendships.

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  3. Happy 93rd birthday to you friend. I am sure he appreciates your visit and the birthday celebration. Enjoy your day, wishing you a great new week ahead.

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    1. It's hard to tell how much he actually got out of the conversation. One on one works best.

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  4. What a lovely celebration of his birthday and his legacy!

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    1. We always got together once a year but lately when he's not been well he didn't want to participate.

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  5. What a lovely way to celebrate his 93rd birthday.

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  6. How wonderful that you could be there! I have a few people like that who inspired and assisted me over my long teaching career and, as you do, I am so grateful for them. Teaching ain’t easy!

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    1. We all still live in the same small city. We needed all the help we could get for teaching. Our district was willing to pay money for professional development.

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  7. Who's that rugged looking guy on the right with 07 08 2019 printed on his blue trousers?

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    1. Well, as I said we're all in our 70's but not for long. Blue trouser guy turns 80 on the next birthday.

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    2. I believe that Justin Trudeau is planning to make October 21st Red Day this year. It will be a public holiday with dancing in the street and even The Micro Manager will get tipsy and let her hair down.

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  8. A wonderful way to celebrate a friend's birthday, getting together. Happy 93rd birthday to your friend and mentor.

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    1. We've had a lot of fun over the years.

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  9. How wonderful that you have all maintained your friendships for so long!

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  10. Happy Birthday to your friend and mentor! I'm sure he enjoyed the get-together. Nursing homes are rather dreary; visits are most welcome.

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    1. This facility was very bright . I was impressed.

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  11. The facility he's in is very bright and seems like a good place to stay.

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  12. Happy Birthday to your friend! 93 is an accomplishment!

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  13. How nice to meet him at that age, amazing!

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  14. That's so nice. At 93, having four good friends to celebrate with is very special.

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  15. Birthday wishes to your friend, Red, and it is really nice that you all went to celebrate this occasion. I was glad to read your earlier comment that the nursing home is pleasant as many can be so dreary and unpleasant.

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  16. Nice that you guys have such a history of wonderful memories together. It is so important to have these visits, especially for him. Have a wonderful week, Janey

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  17. one of most precious post dear Red!

    made my eyes teary don't know why

    he is kind ,sweet and humble man indeed and for his such rare qualities he was rewarded with friends like you who still love him as they did when he was in senses and active
    who says world has lost all it's beauty ?
    so glad you shared this lovely post my friend!

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