Ray Herbel

On Thursday I was informed that Mr. Herbel, my art/history teacher in elementary school, had past away. I've been contemplating his many contributions to my life these past couple days, it's been a very sober time. Mr. Herbel was always kind. My every memory of him is of him smiling or about too. I always knew that he was on our side, even when disciplinary things had to happen. These are a few of the many things I learned from Mr. Herbel:

-I learned how to make shadows with charcoal
-How to keep a broken arm straight until the ambulance came when Mandy fell from the swings
-How to take led out of my hand when I jammed the pencil into it when I fell on the sink
-That tying string from the door knob to your tooth doesn't really work when its loose, you need huge papa bear hands to squeeze it and pull
-Christmas means finding every way of detailing the gift of Jesus by any art means possible
-Time capsules rule, we buried one down by the huge tree behind the playground
-ALWAYS wear a helmet when playing baseball, I got hit once in the head wearing one and I still saw stars
-Tell the truth
-Be giving
-Share that you're proud of someone
-Listen to your wife even if you can't hide your sarcasm
-Chuckle out loud
-Make art with everything

It's an interesting time of him passing away and me reflecting on his life & gift during this season of me getting on my feet in the design world. Who knew my life would take that direction? God did, and He plugged Mr. Herbel into my young years specifically. I'm blessed to have known him, to appreciate and make art, and that knowing the love of THE Creator allows you to be truly loving.