Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Professor


It was an utter shock.  It always is when you hear of someone passing away.  No matter if they suffered a long illness or if it was a sudden event.  Disbelief is always first.  The reality, when it does finally come, always hits hard. The loss.

I'd never met Thom in person.  But, that's not a prerequisite for feeling a grave loss.  He was a member of my small, intimate on-line writing group.  He was the professor.  Not only a Professor of Psychology    in the same state system I graduated from, but also a fellow to all of us writers.

He had a fatherly presence.  Modest, insightful and wise.  But with a playful nonjudgmental side too. Unless it came to cheating, which he didn't tolerate.  Because he was a man of integrity and fortitude.  Navigating through life with a disability,  but never allowing it to disable him.

I always wanted to be in his class, sitting at a desk soaking up his wisdom and life experiences. It wasn't until his untimely passing that I realized,  I'd been a student of his all along.  Watching and learning from his example.

Rest in peace Professor Brown.




9 comments:

  1. Nicely said. Sentiments easily echoed for all in the group, I'd think.

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  2. Beautifully written, Marie. The bit about his dislike for cheating made me chuckle. And I love your observation that you were his student after all. That is so true.

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  3. This is such a lovely post Marie. Your perspective is so touching and you're absolutely correct. It was great being part of his class.

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  4. A great loss of a great long time friend. You said it well.

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  5. It's not easy to put into words what we all feel about the loss of Thom Brown but you have expressed it in this post.

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  6. Lovely tribute Marie. I am grieving too. I find it really hard to explain it.

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  7. I didn't know your professor, but through your loving words I feel I've met him. I'm so sorry for your loss Marie. How lucky you both were to know each other. Sending extra hugs.
    Leah

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  8. Thank you for posting. I can't believe I'm still finding new things written about my dad online. I really loved hearing your perspective, and I'm saving it for my son to read someday.

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  9. @ Amy-I'm so sorry for your loss. And so flattered by your words. I'm hoping with time you find peace and solace in your memories of all the good times you shared.

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