Mrs Sherman was mine (4th grade, Moffitt Elementary in Springfield, OR). Mrs Sherman and I had pen pal conversations as she would write messages pertaining to my homework assignments, what she liked, what areas I needed to improve upon, and added some extra subject matter (leads) for me to explore and look into to gain deeper understanding. She was the first to recognize my dyslexic learning style (backwards, reverse engineering, seeing the end from the beginning). It was the first year of schooling that I actually started to gain confidence and conviction in myself. She would write those simple notes in the margins when correcting my papers.
As a WSU alum it's easy to not like Oregon, but I really like their coach and could tell immediately what a good guy he is even without ever meeting him in person. Good guys don't always finish first, but in my book Oregon will have really messed up if they ever let him get away.
Yep, WSU fan here, too, always liked Lanning. He puts out a good vibe all the time. There are so many selfish people in big time collegiate and professional athletics, Lanning is not one of them. Very refreshing.
John, I was a hockey player much of my life, so I am happy to report that I was peeling onions when I cried while reading your touching story about Coach Lanning and his second-grade teacher.
John is at it again...more tears on this Thursday morning.
My wife's sister was also taken by an insidious brain tumor, over two decades ago in her mid 50s. Also an elementary school teacher, like my wife. So lots of this hits home. Hard.
Bless Gail Mullin and the work she's doing, on top of the increasingly challenging job of being a teacher. I'll remember Headstrong every year--in my sister-in-law's name. Thanks.
You made a stubborn old fart like me cry, and don’t stop writing such articles because it keeps us in touch with our emotions which allows us to know and understand what it feels like to have a heart.
Really nice story, John. It's always therapeutic to read about the good things famous and fortunate people do for others. It helps with balance in outlook. Thanks!
Thanks for providing the link for ‘Be Headstrong’, John. I went back to find it after finishing the story. I wasn’t interested in participating in the auction but was happy to donate directly.
Mr. Record and Mrs. Guesford, Silver Lea Elementary, North Eugene - circa 1970-73. Pre's time. They were my 4th and 6th grade teachers and they were the best.
@Suzie, we moved from 2110 Dalton Drive (with 7 filbert trees) to Portland after my 6th grade year at Silver Lea. Never made it to NEJHS or NEHS, but my brother and sister did, the former having classes with Danny Ainge. I have fond memories of live in North Eugene, though life got easier when my dad got a better job in PDX. I was concluding 8th grade when the Blazers won the title, June 1977, and was one of the few students who did not skip school to attend the victory parade. Wish I had.
Great column! It takes me back to nice memories of some of the great elementary teachers that I had.
Mrs Sherman was mine (4th grade, Moffitt Elementary in Springfield, OR). Mrs Sherman and I had pen pal conversations as she would write messages pertaining to my homework assignments, what she liked, what areas I needed to improve upon, and added some extra subject matter (leads) for me to explore and look into to gain deeper understanding. She was the first to recognize my dyslexic learning style (backwards, reverse engineering, seeing the end from the beginning). It was the first year of schooling that I actually started to gain confidence and conviction in myself. She would write those simple notes in the margins when correcting my papers.
Hi Ben--I live in Spfld! Happy for YOU that you had a great mentor!
As a WSU alum it's easy to not like Oregon, but I really like their coach and could tell immediately what a good guy he is even without ever meeting him in person. Good guys don't always finish first, but in my book Oregon will have really messed up if they ever let him get away.
1000% - It's not always about winning the championship. It is always about winning in life.
Yep!
Yep, WSU fan here, too, always liked Lanning. He puts out a good vibe all the time. There are so many selfish people in big time collegiate and professional athletics, Lanning is not one of them. Very refreshing.
Great piece John. I'm sure your advertising of the auction has boosted the bids a good bit. Without you, local Duck fans would never have known.
John, I was a hockey player much of my life, so I am happy to report that I was peeling onions when I cried while reading your touching story about Coach Lanning and his second-grade teacher.
OK, I lied about the onions.
Thanks John .. that made my day!
Tom
John is at it again...more tears on this Thursday morning.
My wife's sister was also taken by an insidious brain tumor, over two decades ago in her mid 50s. Also an elementary school teacher, like my wife. So lots of this hits home. Hard.
Bless Gail Mullin and the work she's doing, on top of the increasingly challenging job of being a teacher. I'll remember Headstrong every year--in my sister-in-law's name. Thanks.
Ya did it again John Canzano!
You made a stubborn old fart like me cry, and don’t stop writing such articles because it keeps us in touch with our emotions which allows us to know and understand what it feels like to have a heart.
Me too
Really nice story, John. It's always therapeutic to read about the good things famous and fortunate people do for others. It helps with balance in outlook. Thanks!
I needed that. And thanks for helping Gail Mullins boost her nonprofit.
Thanks for providing the link for ‘Be Headstrong’, John. I went back to find it after finishing the story. I wasn’t interested in participating in the auction but was happy to donate directly.
Well John, people appreciate these reports a Lot! Strong families are so important
It's a good thing we buy tissues in bulk at Costco! Joyce and I love your warm stories, keep it up.....
Another great story. And once again I find myself smiling thru my tears. Thank you
Sports stories are insightful and great, but not like this. Thanks for another reminder of why I subscribe.
Boom! Another great profile in loyalty and gratitude. Thanks for sharing this story.
Mr. Record and Mrs. Guesford, Silver Lea Elementary, North Eugene - circa 1970-73. Pre's time. They were my 4th and 6th grade teachers and they were the best.
Hi Brad, I'm going out on a limb that you're also a NEHS Highlander?! GO NORTH! I'm a RiverRoader :)
@Suzie, we moved from 2110 Dalton Drive (with 7 filbert trees) to Portland after my 6th grade year at Silver Lea. Never made it to NEJHS or NEHS, but my brother and sister did, the former having classes with Danny Ainge. I have fond memories of live in North Eugene, though life got easier when my dad got a better job in PDX. I was concluding 8th grade when the Blazers won the title, June 1977, and was one of the few students who did not skip school to attend the victory parade. Wish I had.