Mary Bedekovic:  

My current age is 52. When I was 12, I thought that people my age now would be old. I was so completely wrong. My best friend would tell you I'm independent,serene, confident, secure, kind, positive, generous, funny compassionate, but people who don't know me very well would probably describe me as kind helpful,inclusive to all . The teacher I would most want to see and have contact with is my sixth grade teacher named Mr Lock B Locklear. This wonderful man inspired , motivated, chided, encouraged us all to think live and be the best we could . He treated like adults in every way and pushed us to dream and complete what our minds had dreamed of through art wood working, stain glass art, painting, metal work what ever our joy was , once a week if we had finished the work for the day . we had Mexican party days, Indian culture days, what ever it took to cement the history we were learning at the time .Our books became alive our dreams became reality for those of us who dared to live them .Current events were standard,learning tools at the start of the day. Opinions were backed up by facts. We were taught how to develop as adults and to stand up for ourselves in any situation . What a brilliant concept for teaching and to be able experience this as a student . It was a joy to be at school never knowing what you learn and experience that day . he was and still is an amazing man .. I loved the stories of his childhood where he made mistakes just like us <grin> . I have never forgot him and wish that more teachers could have been more like him . In 10 years, I hope to be a RN with a masters degree,my beloved Callan and I will be living in Ireland and working side by side in the CARDIOTHORCIC OR. Giving people a new chance at life once more . We hope to be raising children in our spare time and once a year traveling around the world donating our life skills to others who would not have a chance to have surgery otherwise . . I'm going to get there by finishing my degree while I'm waiting for my Callan to come home from Iraq . Callan has been there since 2003 with the UK army . My beloved is doing wonderful work while there but misses little things we here at home take for granted . like fresh air without ...Expand for more