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The Willow Leaves Coffee House evening was a success in many ways. There is so much talent all around us as exemplified throughout the night. Paul Bunting, a former Hope Elementary fifth grade student, made me think once again about the importance of teachers understanding the impact of their words and actions as well as understanding that each student will graduate and make an impact on others with their words and actions.

Paul accompanied Tim McNamee as they performed three opening songs. Unfortunately, I did not have Tim in fifth grade due to being a Cross Cliff student but feel as if I did. Afterward, Paul spent a few moments recollecting about being in my classroom.

He shared how I took time out from the typical subject matter to make my way to the chalkboard. There, within the chalkboard dust, I wrote one word after watching an episode of Little House On The Prairie the previous night. The word was Compassion, and the year was 1974, my first teaching year 50 years ago! I still vividly remember that episode as well as that day, a turning point for my teaching career and hopefully for young people that school year and for many school years afterward.

The Little House On The Prairie beloved teacher, Miss Beadle, noticed how badly her students were treating a classmate due to his size. Once gaining their attention after a recess which they tormented their peer, she had a captivated audience while spelling out Compassion on the chalkboard and then discussing the merits of it when relating to others inside and outside the classroom. Each student immediately showed remorse and consequently realized their larger classmate had much to offer and value.

I'm unsure of the details surrounding why I spent some time on the subject of compassion that day, one of my best Health lessons in my teaching career, but I do know it changed my short list of classroom rules, each one then with the word respect included. After that day, my rule list remained short but comprised of Compassion, Understanding, Respect, and Empathy (CURE), the cure for all relationships and the keys to a great school year.. Personally, I grew as an individual and teacher and still have former students sharing how they remember the CURE lesson at the beginning of each school year, one I presented for thirty-six years at Hope Elementary.

Where is Paul Bunting today? He presently lives in Greensburg while recently being named pastor of Fairland Christian Church. I suspect he will be speaking and singing about the importance of compassion, understanding, respect, and empathy.

Where is Tim McNamee today? He lives on the Blue Tassel Farm in the Zenas area, which provides a safe and spiritual haven for inner city youth and others. Undoubtedly, those same words are presented in a variety of ways during their stay. Tim has been a pastor for many years, and you possibly have seen his old and restored VW Van around which he travels into numerous spots presenting the Gospel through preaching, teaching, and singing.

Tim and Paul's last song of the evening was Forever Young, a song I often would coincidentally present at the end of each school year to my students. Bob Dylan was first to write it for his children and then Rod Stewart wrote another version for his children, a very interesting story. Following you will find some of the lyrics by Bob Dylan:

“May God bless and keep you always

May your wishes all come true

May you always do for others

And let others do for you

May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung

May you stay forever young

Forever young

Forever young

May you stay forever young”

*You really should Google both versions and listen. Each will lift your spirit!