Coach Martin; A life well spent in Burlington.

So you want to know how teachers effect lives? It's hard to put into words. Why would hundreds show to wish you luck on your last day on the job. I know. I was there. I saw the respect in their eyes and the warmth in their voices as they sang your praise. Well deserved. I know. I saw you when it began. I knew you were good then and you got better as the years went by. The lives you changed for the better number in the hundreds, probably thousands. Were you perfect as a person? We never would have been friends if you were. Are you a great friend? The best one could have. How good of educator were you? One of the best that I ever saw. But why take my word . You could ask any number of the people you taught or coached in the last 34 years. They can tell the story much better than me.

Aunt Lorraine

Aunt Lorraine, have I even spelled your name correct? You left us in the early part of the last Century at the age of 6.  An infection they say from a pulled tooth. Or was it something else? Time diminishes the facts.  What were you like? What were you to become? The pain it must of caused my Grandmother that I knew and the Grandfather I have never known. Did you know that you have over 30 nieces and nephews? You didn't even know half of your brothers and sisters. I can't imagine your pain and fear. I want to protect you even now, especially now, thinking of my own children and grandchildren.  What brought you to mind? Maybe a sadness that you were taken away from such a large, warm and loving family. Are you with some of them now? Will I ever know. my Faith is weak but my Hope is strong. I just felt the need to say something about you hoping you will know that you are not forgotten, Aunt Lorraine.