The Lessons Life Teaches, A Collection of Short Stories.

The Principal

Back in the early '60s, now 60 years ago, I attended Monte Vista grade school in Phoenix, Arizona. I am always amazed that the mind can recall so many memories from so long ago. Through my fifth grade, the school principal was Mr. Paul Gillespie. He was a kind, older gentleman with thinning grey hair and an encouraging, friendly, caring personality. I recall once that an assistant brought a note to our classroom for me to go to the office. When I arrived and stood at the counter, in front of the secretary, I was terrified of the unknown. I stood there for a moment, then Mr. Gillespie came walking up from the back of the office. I remember he said something like "Hello Dan it is good to see you. How are you doing." He then waited quietly to hear my reply. At the time, I thought I didn't even realize he knew me. Later in life, reflecting back, I came to the realization he probably didn't know me at all, as there were 600 to 700 students at Monte Vista. He probably just knew I was the young boy who was called to the office. But he made me feel good and less afraid. He gestured to have a seat and said "the counsellor just wants you to take a short test in her office. She will be with you in a minute." Then he ambled back to where he came from. It is incredible that such an insignificant moment can have a lifelong impact on you.

I don't remember that Mr. Gillespie ever had anything to do with discipline. That was carried out by the vice-principal, Mr. Gittus. He was much younger. I remember he had dark black hair and a more stern, brusque personality. The friends I went to school with called him "Mr. Get Us". Aptly named because he would dole out the corporal punishment, like "three swats with a wood paddle by Mr. McGee, the PE teacher, to be monitored by the nurse."

One day, in the spring of 1963, when I was in the fifth grade, over the intercom came the announcement that Mr. Gillespie had passed away with a heart attack that morning and Mr. Gittus would become acting principal. It was like a dark pall just settled over the entire school. First, our beloved principal had died and second the champion of discipline was now in charge. It was a traumatic day.

I have no memories of Mr. Gittus after he became principal. He may have worked mainly in the office taking care of business. But, as for me, the good, kind, compassionate soul of the school also passed that day with Mr. Gillespie. I must admit, that all of these memories are from the perspective of a young, impressionable 10-year-old boy. Mr. Gittus may have been a great person and remarkable principal. I have no way to know. But what I do believe is the world needs more people like Mr. Gillespie. People who care, encourage and help even though they may not even know you.