Greatness

Tonight after family prayer, Parker asked if we could say another prayer "to bless all of those who were affected by 9/11."  I was impressed by his thoughtfulness and wondered what spurred it.  Later on, we were driving to the store when he told me, "We had a really touching assembly at school."  The fact that an 11-year-old boy used the word "touching" was "touching" to me!  He went on to tell me all about this assembly to commemorate 9/11.  His history teacher, Mr. White, gave a really cool presentation, and Parker told me all about it in detail. He talked about Mr. White being there during the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and the feelings he felt as he watched the plane hit.  Parker talked about Mr. White's conviction that America was great and the many experiences that had shaped his life.   Parker had really, really listened and had been moved.  At one point in the conversation, he said, "Mr. White is my role model.  Not because I want to go into the military, but because I want to really make something out of my life like he did.  He's like a hero."

I felt so grateful in that moment that Parker recognized greatness, and that a great man would choose to be a junior high school teacher.  I don't know if there is a more noble profession, and I am so grateful that the school my kids attend has so many wonderful role models.








From Mr. White's biography on the school webpage:

...In June 2001 I signed up with the United States Coast Guard, and after finishing my boot camp in Cape May New Jersey, I received my first PCS orders to Alexandria Virginia/D.C. in August 2001, serving in the Presidential Honor Guard working out of the White House, Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery.

During my tour in Washington D.C., I performed as a member and NCO of various body bearing teams and platoon formations, carrying out over 250 ceremonies for the Military District of Washington.  Some of these experiences include Armed Forces Full Honors Funeral for former president Ronald Reagan, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, former Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Armed Forces Full Honors Arrival for several Presidents, Prime Ministers and Dignitaries from other countries, involving numerous missions at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

My aspiration to teach springs from the desire to give, to shape, to make a difference, and to edify the minds of our youth. I have finally found my passion and knack in life. I had an unforgettable experience while serving in Washington D.C. during the 9-11-2001 attacks.  Since then, I have been given the opportunity to share my military experiences with various colleges, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools, while obtaining a B.S. in Social Science Composite from Southern Utah University.  I am exceptionally excited and eager to work at Providence Hall Middle School, and to work with such an amazing team.  I am absolutely thrilled to educate and make a positive impact on our youth, and I promise to make learning about history fun and unforgettable here at Providence Hall. GO PATRIOTS!