But I've been able to lurk on FB and see that everyone seems to be in the same boat. Travel and family. That's what retirement is supposed to be about, eh?
Speaking of grand summertime adventures, (sorry Schuyler Colfax kids), those of you lucky enough to have had Dorothy Tunis and Al Piaget (now the Piagets) for 7th or 8th grade block should now that they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday. A few weeks ago, I got a call from Darth explaining that since none of us could make the event, would I care to write some words to be read at the celebration on behalf of 7-3/8-4. Never short on words, I agreed immediately, and want to share it with you hoping that you all feel the same way:
In 1961, a Chinese American 7th grade student
walked into Anthony Wayne Junior High School with what he smugly believed was a
solid academic foundation. He believed that his world view was complete and that
he understood the world that he would have to face. He was so wrong. Over the
next two years he learned he had been deliberately blindered and was not at all
prepared for our tumultuous future.
51 years later, that same student now understands that the
world is full of wonder waiting to be discovered; full of joys and sorrows to
be experienced, without limits. I probably would have come to this conclusion eventually,
but it would have taken infinitely longer for that smug 7th grader
had he not experienced the educational epiphany that is Darth Tunis and Al
Piaget. And I say the same student because I also learned from them that life
is an ongoing continuous educational experience.
I am only one of thousands of lucky ones who had the good
fortune to cross paths with the Piagets as part of their schooling. I know 25
or so who thought so much of Darth and Doc that they came together after 47
years from every corner of the country to celebrate with their favorite
teachers. The Piagets were OUR teachers, because they care about us and we care
about them. I have always known that they cared about each other and that has always
made me happiest of all. I couldn’t be more pleased to help celebrate their
grand anniversary in this humble fashion. I could go on and on but it would
only serve to further embarrass these two wonderful people since they never
thought it was all about them; to the Piagets, it was always about us.
To my mentors and friends, may the way always be clear for
the journeys to come…….
If you share my sentiments, please feel free to go to the Piagets FB pages to send felicitations. That's Alfred Piaget or Dorothy Piaget on FB.
On far sadder matters, I note the passing of Tom Smith, Tim Henneman and Ed Sorock.
