Not including family because that’s a different story for a different day.
Along the way, some of the lessons I’ve learned from very wise people whom I met on my journey. Incidental maybe, but lasting………..and, oh, so true.
—–Randal Massengill , Methodist pastor : profound sermons can be shared in simple homilies.
—–Nannie Sue Maret , 7th grade teacher : language is the anchor of influence.
—–Gordon Telford, Sr. , mover and shaker : protocol should be followed even if displeasing to the heart.
—–Jeff Davis, administrator/coach : the higher the flag pole, the harder the wind blows ( referencing leadership ).
—–D.F.Osborne , Winder-Barrow School Superintendent : teaching from the heart is equally as important as teaching from the head.
—–Frank Harbin, mover and shaker : anything worth doing should have been done yesterday.
—–Jack Smith, Lavonia High teacher/coach : high school crushes are a way for the heart to mature.
—–Peggy Gaines Bruce , Sunday School teacher : self -discipline is a key component of Christian living.
—–Martha Draper , older Winder friend : public speaking can be learned and nurtured.
—–Ed Bryant , Franklin County School Superintendent : wait and see ; sometimes problems correct themselves.
—–Romeo Adams, mover and shaker : the value of anything is determined by the investment someone will make in it.
—–Bobby Berryman, Baptist pastor : without a means of moving from spot to spot, nothing can be accomplished.
—–Miss (?) Bennett, Lavonia High teacher : ” Chesapeake Bay was a great general ! ” Taught me that good math teachers are not necessarily creditable social studies teachers.
—–David Williams, life-long friend : small town values create the foundation for a successful life.
—–Trish Swails, FCHS counselor : praying for patience will test you.
—–Andy Hill, attorney : rarely are estates settled agreeably unless there is no money/property OR there is just one heir.
—–Jack Slaton, FCHS principal : looking for the good things is the best way.
—–Dean Drewry, Grady School of Journalism (UGA ) : advertising is the very backbone of democracy.
—–And then there’s me : more white space makes reading easier.
Our High School Math Teacher was Julia Bennett.
She was also our senior class advisor and indeed was a character one would never forget.
Some good stories there for another time.
An old sage once told me that if you hang around anyone long enough you are bound to learn something useful (positive or negative).
I am honored to be placed on your “Lessons Learned” list.
David
Love this! ♥️
We learn so much from others. I remember Nannie Sue Maret in 7th grade English. She would always start class by saying, “Let’s roll up our sleeves and learn to write”—as she pretended to physically roll up her sleeves. She was unique and certainly taught a lot of Lavonia kids the fundamentals of writing…♥️
Thanks for remembering, too ! Even with an English major from UGA, I knew that I learned all the English I needed from Mrs. Maret. She was the best !!!! And she taught us how to write thank you notes ( a lost art today ), how to identify engraving ( as opposed to printing ), how to speak differently with people with varying backgrounds, and on and on. The ultimate teacher she was indeed.
Enjoyed all!
Thank you ! Jack’s ” Looking for the good things ” has stayed with me through many of my cynical moments, for sure……..
Thank you for filling in Miss Bennett’s name. Easier for you since your mother was named Julia, too ! Lots of lessons learned and all appreciated. So many people have lifted me up. I appreciate our ongoing friendship, David !!!
You always give us a message that touches our hearts! Love to you!
You are so sweet ! Just had some thoughts of those people through the years who have lifted me up when I needed it———-and brought me down when I needed that, too. You and Bob would know many of my references, for sure. Hope all is well with you two. Miss you much. Love back atcha.
Thank you for the kind comments. I love hearing from those who have impacted my life. I speak often of Mrs. Maret. She was truly a master teacher. Not only did she teach us until we learned the lesson, she led us in songs, read Edgar Allen Poe to us on stormy days and made the best sand dabs in the world. I have a real regret that I never went back and told her how much I admired her.
Thank you, Trish, and I agree with all you said about Nannie Sue. She did it all, the ultimate teacher. I remember when she punished me for talking——and her punishment was to put me in the bookroom ( in solitary ) for several hours. Punishment ? No, Heaven——and she knew that. I miss you and hope all is well for you. Take care and be blessed.