All of us, now and then, think back fondly on teachers who shaped our lives. It's natural to wonder what became of them, and to wish we could express our thanks.
The Rev. Philip Blackwell, senior pastor at First UMC in Chicago, has had that opportunity this year—reading to a beloved former English teacher who suffered a stroke in April. Manya Brachear of the Chicago Tribune has an excellent feature on the friendship, and the hope and understanding Dr. Blackwell has brought to his mentor.
Interestingly enough, I owe Phil Blackwell a debt of gratitude, even though he probably doesn't remember me (though I wrote him a note of thanks a few years ago). Phil was campus minister at the University of Chicago when I was at the Divinity School (1979-82), working on a Ph.D. and planning to be a teacher. Phil spoke at one of our weekly luncheons about how the parish ministry needed educated pastors. That talk helped me decide to give up the academic life and enter the parish ministry, where I've been happily occupied for the past 27 years. Thanks again, Phil!
Posted by: Don Yeager | September 01, 2009 at 08:36 PM