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:

Stuart Nagerf said...

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

Janine said...

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.

Joy Page Manuel said...

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.

Mountaingmom said...

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

Penelope J said...

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.

Muriel said...

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

Leah Griffith said...

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

Amy said...

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.

Marie Loerzel said...

@ 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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