Part Two of two
In the season of gift-giving, I asked several of our local citizens what very meaningful or significant gift they have received in their lifetime. Thinking of “gift” broadly, it could be material, but more likely, wise words, an intervention, or an incident, that made a major impact on them. It might have been realized as a gift only in retrospect. Below (alphabetically) are the moving messages of the last four in a two-part series.
Terry Ann Carbone
Vice President of the School Board,
Brockport Central School District
Former Superintendent of Schools,
Lockport City School District (Retired)
When thinking about gifts I have received in my life that have provided inspiration, I find myself repetitively going back to my childhood. The most profound gift in my life is my Family. As a child, I was fortunate to be surrounded by parents, and grandparents who loved me unconditionally. My family provided an atmosphere of belonging, empowerment, security, and fun. As a child and young adult, I was encouraged to follow my dreams, shoot for the stars, help others, know what I believed in, and take on leadership challenges. My parents were my mentors throughout their lives and each provided a wealth of wisdom. As a result of love and support, I have been able to follow my dream in making a difference in the lives of thousands of children for over 45 years. Thank you, Mom and Dad.
Shawn Halquist
Director, Brockport High School Band
It is easy and correct to say my wife Dee and our boys are the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. Nothing means more to me than they do and everything else is shaped through that lens. But, I must also thank God for the daily interactions I have with people: my students and colleagues, friends new and old, people I know well and people I will only encounter once. Every brush with another person makes me a better person, and the ability to learn and benefit from others is something that shouldn’t be minimized by any of us, in my opinion. The opportunity to be enriched by another human being is the greatest gift I’ve ever received.
Kevin G. Johnson
Supervisor-elect, Town of Sweden
Owner, Klafehn, Heise, & Johnson, Attorneys at Law
My parents gave me a deep appreciation for the value of faith, family and hard work. I learned, and have experienced, that faith carries you through difficult times and keeps you grounded and humble in good ones. I was taught that family brings deep relationships, support and the joy of unconditional love into life, and it certainly has in mine. And, I have seen that the simple admonition to “work hard” — whether in tasks big or small — helps you achieve the goals you have set for yourself while blessing those around you with your talents and giftings. I am thankful for the many blessings these values have brought into my life and for the parents who gave them to me.
Rosa “Rosie” Rich
Former public-school teacher in the U.S. and Canada, and instructor atThe College at Brockport.
At the American University, Beirut, Lebanon,
created, taught, and directed the first women’s
health and physical education program.
(After 34 years, Retired,1989)
In 1956, in Watervliet, New York, a weekend visitor drove my convertible on roads unfamiliar to us. A dense fog appeared as we returned home from dinner. At the bottom of a steep hill, blinking lights suddenly loomed before us.
The driver crashed through the gates. The approaching slow-moving train hit us. The convertible spun sharply, throwing me out onto the street. Someone in white apparel drove me to the hospital. The driver was not hurt.
An overnight stay revealed a slight concussion, and a bruised right arm, elbow and knee.
The weekend newspaper told my rescue story: A woman dressed in white shirt and slacks, returning from her bowling league, had happened upon the injured victim, a Troy high school teacher. I have frequently stated, “Everything has always gone my way.” I was given a second chance. Why was my life spared? Sixty years since, my rewarding life has been the answer.
Last week’s issue, December 10, had the stories of Chris Albrecht, Bill Andrews, Maryellen Giese, and Heidi Macpherson. They are on line at www.westsidenewsny.com. Photos here are by Dianne Hickerson except for Terry Anne Carbone’s and Kevin G. Johnson’s which were provided.
