The phone rang at 6:09am with an office assistant on the other end, with an offer for a week’s job at the other high school.
I told her I was only available today, but that would give her time to set up somebody else for the rest. She was okay with that arrangement. At 6:12am, the computerized SubFinder called saying there was openings at two of the junior highs. I had to click negatives for both. I’m telling ya, the whole school system needs to find and hire bunches of qualified people.
I was a classroom coach for just one boy who was on his best behavior. He seems to have settled into a good routine this semester, but is looking forward to Winter Break.
During Homeroom, which the teacher declared a casual time, I picked up a copy of the newspaper from the pile sitting on the work table.
After reading the comics, I turned to the Obituaries and saw a picture of Dan Fogelberg.
I must have let out a very audible GASP! because every head in the room turned to look at me. One teenaged boy even came around the table with a look of concern on his face.
Of course, I got so embarassed.
I had to explain that Dan Fogelberg is one of my very favorite singers, and he had passed away.
Teenagers don’t have a clue—blank expressions facing me.
The teacher went back to whatever he was doing on the computer, other students also into routine.
The boy I was working with, and the one who had come around the table—well, they both expressed their sympathy.
It’s hard for me to believe I was about their age the first time I heard a Dan Fogelberg song on the radio. I don’t remember who of my friends had a record album, but I remember thinking I loved Dan’s voice,
and he wasn’t so much older than us, and that long dark hair that I wanted to run my fingers through.
We played a tape of Leader of the Band at my father-in-law’s memorial service. That song, and my sister-in-law playing a borrowed violin will always live in my heart.
A few years ago, Husband and I were in the audience during one of Dan’s concerts at the Peoria Civic Center. The guy seemed tired and didn’t connect very well with us. I could have bought 3 CDs with the money we spent on tickets.
Not long after that I learned Dan had a prostate cancer diagnosis.
It seems that he was taken from us too soon. And his passing makes me look too closely at my own age and ailments.
And I’ll bet a few teenagers who were with me today are still wondering what all the fuss is about.
Rest in Peace, Dan. Thanks for the Memories….
~~love and Huggs, Diane
ps Junie is another Dan fan and has a couple nice posts up
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