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As the title says, You Never Really Know Someone, Until ... they die. I know, this sounds rather morbid, but stay with me through this story. I had the honor of attending the funeral of a man I've known since I was in Elementary School in Copperas Cove, Fairview Elementary. This man, Charlie Wayne Turner, was my principal for only one year but he made an impression on me. Growing up in a military town such as Copperas Cove, there were many good, memorable teachers and coaches that came and went, but there were many that were Covites. They lived there and planned to continue to live in this small community. Mr. Turner and his beautiful wife, Nancy, were there to stay. He arrived at the school district after he got out of the army as a Lieutenant. He wasn't more than 5'6" tall and maybe weighed 120 lbs, small man, but oh such a large presence. He never smiled, would stand in the hall with his feet apart, arms folded across his body and would nod hello, never speaking a word, but you knew he just said "Good Morning You Are Important To Me" to each of us students. He was with the CCISD for more than 30 years as principal. I learned today that he was one of the founding members and first President of the Exchange Club. He organized an annual Christmas meal for all Seniors in private homes or nursing homes. He arranged transportation to and from his elementary school cafeteria where the meal was prepared, had his students decorate the paper table cloths and place mats for the Seniors, organized his music students to sing Christmas Carols to them as they enjoyed their meal. He did all of this behinds the scenes not wanting any recognition. Another story I learned today, a child which happened to be Mr. Turner's neighbor, had been diagnoised with a rare type of blood disorder and wasn't expected to live more than a year. He was not to be deterred, he knew how important an education was for all children. He worked tirelessly to get this child enrolled in his elementary school, took special care of this child, and allowed this child to run in the hallway after receiving a new prosthetic leg! He told this young boy and his family that he looked forward to watching him graduate, well the parents knew this was not going to be possible, but it gave the boy hope and something to work for. Mr. Turner and his wife attended two graduations for this young man! I tell you there wasn't a dry eye in the church this morning at the conclusion of this mother's eulogy of Mr. Turner, when she returned to her seat and hugged her son, now a grown man and father to her grandson. I'm sharing this story with you to let you know that we truly don't know people until someone dies and you sit and listen to what an awesome, giving, loving person they were. Too bad I didn't know all this about my former principal, Mr. Charlie Wayne Turner, but he didn't really want everyone to know...he just did what he felt was right. We need to know our neighbors, friends, family members better, there is good in most of us. I challenge you to go find the good in people and embrace it. |
