I first met Marjie in 1971 when she was a shy seventh grader in my drama class. That was the last year anyone associated the word "shy" with Marjie. She was growing into a musical magician as her skill with the piano grew beyond talent into the realm of "gifted."
She was so great and dependable that in 1974, while still in the ninth grade, she became my entire orchestra and choral director for our production of Fiddler on the Roof. She was no longer my student, for she became my co-director for musical after musical, which were so outstanding they drew larger audiences than most of the surrounding high schools.
Our bond grew stronger through the years. She helped me get through the passing of my parents, and I was there for her when her beloved Aunt Susie died.
She returned to play at our drama banquets and after she began her own teaching career, I held seminars for every one of her classes since 1987. Her record in education was fantastic. By her third year, she had won teacher of the year honors.
Then there was the inspirational arrival of her daughter, Rachel, and my godson, Ben.
I will never forget Marjie Blevins' piano recital; I honestly felt that I had been transported to heaven. But it was on another afternoon that with one sentence she totally changed my life.
It was a day when she was in the 10th grade; she came over to my school to see me during my preparation period. "May I talk to you?" she asked.
"Of course," I replied. I was used to students coming to me with problems. I'm not saying I ever helped, but I can say with confidence that I gave the longest speeches filled with the most platitudes in the history of education.
So naturally after two or three sentences, I interrupted her and proceeded to pontificate on how she could best handle her problem.
Suddenly, she held up one hand, like a traffic cop and with a very sincere smile and a gentle but firm voice said, "MR. SCHLATTER, I ASKED IF I COULD TALK TO YOU, NOT LISTEN TO YOU."
What a shock! What a Gift!
She taught me two things in that moment. First, most people... Continue
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