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Show I IINTAH BASIN STANDARD. December 24. 2001- - Pace 19 Something to think about this Christmas: "One student. one teacher, one question" By Harry L. Johns, DTM "The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better offthan those who toy to do nothing and euc- The school bell rang. The students ana filed into the respective classrooms. As wai hi cus-tolittle fourth grader Timmy Mathews sat in his seat, turned toward the window, and stared out. He wore the same clothes each day. When thick with dirt, they might be washed over the weekend. Msybe. Some ofthe other children called him Stinky behind his back. And, sometimes, they called him Stinky to his in this poor rural face. The teacher, Mrs. Cathcart, tried to treat all of the children equally. But with Timmy, this was a challenge. After a spelling test, for example, she once commented so the entire clan could hear, Many ofthe other children spelled this word improperly. You spelled it correctly. Very good, Timmy; very good. When the last day of school before Christmas vacation arrived, the teachers desk was piled high with presents. At the end of that day, Mrs. Cathcart called her pupils forward, before her desk, in a She began opening the presents to the 0000 and Ahhs of the assembled students. Each year the parents ofher youngsters express their individual admiration for this teacher. And, each year she enjoyed the chosen presents, knowing the parents handled the financial end. When she was deep into the die, die exposed one small present that was not like the others, ft was almost as if the student had placed this gift under the others so it would not be easily seen. It was not like the others. No wrapping here. A brown paper bag held this present. Even the string holding the bag in place had been used previ- gaily-wrapp- ed semi-circl- e. store-boug- ht i. Cathcart opened a desk drawer, removed her scissors, and snipped the string. Opening the bag, she and her studenta saw a used Cream of Wheat box. The teacher turned the open end ofthe cereal box downward, and onto her desk came a partially used bottle of dime-stor- e perfume and a cheap rhinestone broach, with a small number of rhinestones missing. Some students began to giggle. But a quick exposure of the teacher's left palm brought the room to silence. Mrs. Cathcart opened the pin on the broach and, for the first time in all her years of teaching, punctured the fabric of her blouse to wear a childs present. e. She then opened the bottle of She applied a small dab to her left wrist, rubbed both together, then brought her right wrist under her nose and smiled. Passing that wrist quickly under the noses of the closest children, she prompted the only correct response with, Doesnt this smell nicely? The students responded with the obligatory sounds of agreement At the close of the day, the students left her care. All, except one. Tim my stood motion less near the coat rack in the back of the room. He considered what he should do next. He stared at Mrs. Cathcart standing at the open door of the classroom. And he noticed, on the wall above the d door, was the sign she often had the children recite aloud: How would the person Id like to be. Do the things Im about to do? It was signed by her husband, Jim Cathcart. Timmy walked slowly forward. The cleat sound of his one remaining protector echoed off the wooden walls of an otherwise empty room. He stopped in front of his teacher, hyper-arche- d his head backward so he could see her face so far up high. She looked down into two limpid eyes, filling with water. Timmy tried to begin speaking, saying, Before my mommy went to heaven.. But he was unable to continue easily. Taking a deep breath, he swallowed hard, then began anew: Before my mommy went to heaven, she really liked that sparkle thing. And today, Mrs. Cathcart, with her perftime, you smell just as sweet as my mommy. The tears arrived, and he left. Instead of heading home, this teacher spoke with the Timmys earlier teachers. She made notes of her findings. First Grate; Dull student Easily distracted. Does not pay attention. Second Grade; Somewhat retarded. Does not concentrate. Wanted to be home, not in school. Raced home every day. Third Grade; Early in tiie year, after a very long illness, Timmys mother died. He disliked being in school. He would not pay attention to me. This teacher knew she would not add such comments regarding this child. When school resumed, she worked with Timmy on an individual basis. Just a few minutes at first She did not want to overwhelm him. Then a few minutes at multiple sessions. Then during lunch time together. And even after school. By the end of the school year, Timmy had caught up with his classmates, passed most of them, and was gaining on the leaders. As the years went by, this teacher adorned herself with a rhinestone per-ftim- hand-painte- broach on the last day of school e Christmas. And, on that particular day, she wore a special perftime. After many years, she received a letter. As she read it, she could almost hear Timmys voice. The letter began with two of the moet honored wtnds in the English language: Dear Teacher. She listened to Timmy as she read his words. The principal of our high school has informed me that I will be the class valedictorian. Thank you for teaching me to ask, How would the person Id like to be. Do the things Im about to do? You have allowed me to become what I am today. Thank you for being my be-for- teacher. Your student, Timmy Mathews. Fourth grade classes came. Fourth grade classes went And Mrs. Cathcart remembered one certain student. With each passing year, the fluid in the bottle of perftime was being depleted. The rhinestones that fell from the broach would be replaced with glue as strong as a teachers in Diners enjoying a holiday luncheon at the Crossroads CHRISTMAS MUSIC BRINGS BACK MEMORIES carols to Christmas treated were Center and Senior presented by the Union High Womans Choir. The Community choir was directed by Carey Willis. love. Then, another letter arrived from Timmy. Dear Teacher: The Academics Committee of the university has informed me that I will be the class valedictorian. Thank you for instilling within me the willingness to ask, How would the person Id like to be. Do the things Im about to do?' I find myself asking this question often. Even while walking. And even at night, selecting clothing to wear for the following day. All that I am today, and all that I will become, I owe to you. Your student, Timmy Mathews. More years passed into history. Mrs. Cathcart was contemplating retirement The perftime was almost depleted. The broach held only a comd rhinestones. paratively few Then a tetter arrived. The one anwell-glue- nouncing that Timmy Mathews would be no more. She opened this last letter. She kept back the tears as she held the paper in her trembling hands, forcing herself through the words. She read, Dear Teacher: In seven weeks there will no longer be a Timmy Mathews. From then onward, I shall be Timothy. Timotiw Mathews, Medical Doctor. All that I am I owe to you. Thank you for teaching me to ask myself, 'How would the person Id like to be. Do the tilings Im about to do? This one question has helped me gain the successes I have thus for achieved. It shall assist me in my future endeavors. All I need do is ask that one question. And now, a question for you. I feel the fluid visiting my eyes, yet I must ask, if you can spare the time, would you please come to the medical school and attend my graduation? If you are willing, would you sit where my mother would have sat, if she were able? When they ask parents to stand, will you please stand? When the orchestra plays that rich, enthralling music that captivates the audience, I want to look only upon you. Now, with tears in my eyes, I am really begging you. Will you attend? Please? You see, earlier this morning, my father died. So now, you're the only femily I have. A boy called Stinky. A doctor named Timothy. And the difference was one question and one teacher. (C 2001 Harry Louie Johns, DTM Teachers and students; To receive permission to photocopy this entire chapter for your use in a school, please write HarryLJohnshotmail.com) Florence Smith. We all had a nice time and enjoyed ourselves very much. The Utah Mini Ranches sent out invitations to an open house at the Duchesne Welcome Center on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 7 p.m. We sure do thank the Steeds for all the nice things they are doing in our town. There was a 10 birthday party held at the home of Jimmy and Sherry Lisonbee for their daughter, Erica. Hope you have lots more, Erica. Word has been received that Laura May Timothy of Lehi has been in ICU in the Provo hospital. Laura May used to be over the seniors in Duchesne. She lives with her daughter in Lehi now. Henry and Joyce Keysaw of Duchesne have been spending time in Salt Lake with their daughter and the grandchildren for the Christmas holidays. Harold Gee's oldest and only sister, Henrietta Wilson of Price was in the hospital in ICU for two days. She was having heart problems. She was at 4-- Harold The Duchesne Gateway Seniors drove to Vernal on Friday of this last week so people could finish up their Christmas shopping. They all had fun. The Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce had a nice afternoon of enjoyments for all the volunteers at the Information Center in December from 12-- 2 p.m. They served a luncheon and drinks and pizza. They gave each one of us a bag with several things in it. They had lots of good homemade candy which was made by Iola Richens of Arcadia is in the Roosevelt hospital. She is in room 1 19. Please call or go to see her. She is a member of the Bridgeland ward. On Sunday, Dec. 16, Rick and Stacie Myrin had their two twin baby girls blessed by their father. They have three other cute children. These babies had quite a time getting here and so did their dear mother, Stacie The Summerall son who returned home from his mission gave his in the Bridgeland ward on Sunday, Dec. 16. They all come home so grown up. The Birthday Club met on Dec. 7 at Gees funeral in the the Stringham home in Vernal to Bridgeland ward on Oct. 26. She was in a wheelchair. She is 97 years old. The Mother's Club for December was held on Dec. 6. All members attended the Stagelight performance at Duchesne High then they all went to the home of Gayle Young for their Christmas party. They each brought one gift wrapped for the children down in the Four Corners. Keith and Barbara Rowley are going to deliver them for the club members. All of the Mothers Club members were present except three. They all had a fun time. celebrate the December birthday of LaRue Lamb. Hostess Barbara Thome prepared a delicious birthday dinner and dessert for members and guests, Gail Allred and Keri Mills. After dinner LaRue was given her birthday present and the ladies joined in singing the traditional birthday song. Bridge was played during the afternoon with prizes going to Keri Mills, Virginia Houston, Fern Jensen and Teresa Harmston. ill. a easons Greetings I I! Si' b i n !i f From All of Us at Zions Bank, Roosevelt Branch. i; i i it ,'i 'L I i i May Your Holidays Be Merry & Bright. i ; ZIONS BANK WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN WHO KEEPS US IN BUSINESS: . j6 XS MEMBER FDIC 156 North 200 East in Roosevelt I i 722-361- 4 jt 4 L til I i |