A Diamond Memory
I post this entry exactly 56 years after Ed and I married at his home church in Ashland, Ohio.
This candid shot was taken 34 years later, on July fourth, 2004. We were celebrating the holiday in the backyard of Stayton friends. Something on the table held Ed’s attention. I bent over him to see what it was.
This photo became one of Kat’s favorites. She converted it this year into diamond art and hung it above my bed.
A few notables from our marriage of 53 years:
1. lived at 17 different addresses, moving every three years on average
2. classroom teachers a combined 73 years
3. taught a combined average of 3000+ students
4. the duet we sang the most, “I Come to the Garden Alone”
5. A life verse that we shared, keeping us on the right path was Colossians 3:17: Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you! (The Passion Translation)
Very nice!!
Thanks, Tom, for the quick, short, and nice comment. Always good to hear from you.
So poignant! Thank you for sharing this personal memory! Both your and Ed’s life brought God much glory!
Sue, you are always supportive with your comments. Thank you!
Makes me wish I met Ed. It always makes me happy to see an older couple together, happy, and not at each other’s throats. It’s becoming rarer and rarer it seems, so the beauty of it really stands out. Of course you were both younger in that photo, similar to how I remember you looking as my teacher. Is this snapshot of the original photo or of the diamond art? I would assume the photo. If not, then that’s a lot of diamonds! That’s also a lot of addresses! Not very many students or teaching years though… just kidding. I have often wondered what percentage of students are remembered decades later by teachers. If I was the teacher, I’d probably forget all but a very few favorite students (teachers are probably not supposed to admit they have favorite students). There’s no way I could remember unique things (or even names and faces) of that 3000+ people! Even if I studied daily for the rest of my life, there’s no way I’d retain that volume of information! But if a former student approaches on the street and said, “Remember me?”… how embarrassing or possibly heartcrushing for them, if I had to say, “Nope. Who are you?” And then they’d give their name and the personal memories they have from my class, and I’d say, “Oh yeah!… Nope. Still forgot.” I think there might be a secret code among teachers to always respond, “Yes of course I remember you! How are you doing?” Someday they’ll make a reality TV show where people approach teachers, pretending to be their former students, to test this secret code theory.
Thanks for the comment. I, too, wish you could have met Ed. He was well liked. Certainly, you had PCH classmates who had him as their sixth grade teacher.
By myself I remember only a few dozen students. But if given some details, I would likely remember the incidents and still have to ask for the name. Mrs.Lampi is a marvel at remembering names.
Regarding the photo in my post–it is a photo of the diamond art that Katie did. Yes–a LOT of diamonds.
What a beautiful memory, Mrs. Highman. I remember you both so vividly.
Mr. Highman from sixth grade. He was stern but gentle and kind. I learned a lot from him both in regards to general curriculum but – more importantly – character.
And you… all through middle school and high school. You took a kid who thought he wanted to be an actor and ignited his true passion for writing and directing. I remember being difficult and you being patient. Until you finally sat me down and told me – sometime after you cast me in Harvey – that you’d never cast me again. And instead you wanted me to write and direct plays for drama camp.
You saw something in me I didn’t fully see in myself. And it was such a catalyst in propelling me forward into a world that has brought me to where I am today. Still working as a director. Still learning and growing and exploring my vision and potential.
Eternally grateful to you.
Rob Moog! What a delight to hear from you!
I remember the tall, lanky boy with brown hair and eyes who wanted to act, as you recalled. But I don’t remember asking you to write and direct for drama camp. So how many such plays did you do? And when did you graduate? And in what capacity do you direct?
“Still learning and growing and exploring my vision and potential.” Sure sounds like “abundant life!” Is it drawing you closer to Christ-likeness, living in the kingdom of God in the here and now?
I am blessed to know of your eternal gratitude. Thank you!