This essay officially kicked off the healing process for me, Elizabeth. I'm sure it will for many others. Thank you for that. The grief has just turned down a small notch.
I'm listening to "In the Mood" as I write this, having just finished reading. Bless you, friend. I wonder whether I can still reach out to some of my most prized teachers. (English and drama teachers, of course) Has it been too long? I'd reconnected and disappeared again and again, always failing to maintain contact. I think I'll forward this essay to them as I reach out. Thank you, Liz, for the good work you do. May your grief be short and your happy memories long.
This is wonderful, Elizabeth. I am looking through your lens at a life and town and teacher I never knew existed. As you said, it couldn't happen now. For me, it couldn't happen then. The lines were drawn and very rarely did a teacher become a friend except for Abby M who married the gym teacher but that was another story.
Thank you for this wonderful writing about a man loved by many. Sitting here reading this brought back so many fond memories of this man named Fred Franklin. His ability to get 110% out of his students or actors was magic. Hated writing - until he was my teacher. Never had been in front of strangers, family and friends on stage until Fred told me I could do it. Fred Franklin may not have been a rock star or famous actor everyone knew but he was a man much more than them - and he will live on in those who knew him - teacher - mentor - friend. He was indeed "one in a million".
Thank you. Fred terrified me and I adored him, as it should have been when someone shows you a world outside of your own narrow existence! I remember him telling a bunch of us something like this: ".....don't worry about stupid people, memorize a sonnet...you will always be the most interesting person in the room.."
Such a beautiful story! He sounds like a wonderful mentor and friend! I'm so sorry for your loss. The director of the Child Care center I taught at for 20 years, died last year, and I was/am still devastated by her loss. She was an amazing, caring, and spiritual woman.
Oh Elizabeth, how beautiful. My love and deepest condolences to you.🌹
Thank you so much. 💞😘
This essay officially kicked off the healing process for me, Elizabeth. I'm sure it will for many others. Thank you for that. The grief has just turned down a small notch.
Tommy, that you like it is really all that matters to me. Thank you.
It’s clear that Fred was a special teacher and friend. My heart aches for your loss. May he rest in infinite love.
Thanks so much for your lovely words.
I'm listening to "In the Mood" as I write this, having just finished reading. Bless you, friend. I wonder whether I can still reach out to some of my most prized teachers. (English and drama teachers, of course) Has it been too long? I'd reconnected and disappeared again and again, always failing to maintain contact. I think I'll forward this essay to them as I reach out. Thank you, Liz, for the good work you do. May your grief be short and your happy memories long.
Thank you so much. And it’s never too late!
What a beautiful essay about Fred. Thank you for sharing so much about this amazing person.
Oh thank you. So much.
This is wonderful, Elizabeth. I am looking through your lens at a life and town and teacher I never knew existed. As you said, it couldn't happen now. For me, it couldn't happen then. The lines were drawn and very rarely did a teacher become a friend except for Abby M who married the gym teacher but that was another story.
Thank you so much Puma. I’m delighted you could see him.
Thank you for this wonderful writing about a man loved by many. Sitting here reading this brought back so many fond memories of this man named Fred Franklin. His ability to get 110% out of his students or actors was magic. Hated writing - until he was my teacher. Never had been in front of strangers, family and friends on stage until Fred told me I could do it. Fred Franklin may not have been a rock star or famous actor everyone knew but he was a man much more than them - and he will live on in those who knew him - teacher - mentor - friend. He was indeed "one in a million".
Thanks so much. Lovely memories.
Quite quite BEAUTIFUL! I wish I had met Fred…..but now I feel as if I did. He absolutely LIVES on in your words-❤️
He would have LOVED you. As do I. Thank you. 💞
Thank you. Fred terrified me and I adored him, as it should have been when someone shows you a world outside of your own narrow existence! I remember him telling a bunch of us something like this: ".....don't worry about stupid people, memorize a sonnet...you will always be the most interesting person in the room.."
What a great quote from him. Thanks so much.
What a beautiful story of a life long mentor and friend.
Thank you. 💕
Such a beautiful story! He sounds like a wonderful mentor and friend! I'm so sorry for your loss. The director of the Child Care center I taught at for 20 years, died last year, and I was/am still devastated by her loss. She was an amazing, caring, and spiritual woman.
Thanks so very much. 💞