Say Thanks While You Can

I cried when I read the inspiring story a few weeks ago in The Spokesman-Review about Angelica Reyna’s graduation from Washington State University. This wonderful young woman has surmounted enormous obstacles to be where she is, and I was touched by her courage and perseverance.

But the part that moved me to tears was when she talked of someone who, besides her remarkable mother, had counseled her.

Mr. Darlow, her seventh-grade teacher, had encouraged her, telling her there were opportunities other than farm labor.

He told her she would be someone in life and, she said, “he was the one who opened my eyes.”

I cried because Robert Darlow was my husband, who died last November from the cancer he had fought so bravely for so long. I cried because teachers get so little praise and because Angelica’s tribute would have meant so much to him.

Like so many good teachers, Bob always hoped he was making a difference but was never quite sure.

Walking downtown with him in Moses Lake, where he taught before we moved to Mabton, Wash., was a kind of procession as past and present students called out cheerful greetings. Every restaurant seemed to be staffed by former students who came up to speak to him.

After Bob’s cancer diagnosis and surgery in 1989, the letters and cards from kids touched both of us and meant a great deal to him. After we moved to Spokane in 1993, he went to the Coliseum to watch Mabton play basketball and came home touched by the number of students who had come up to speak to him, hug him and tell him how they wished he was back in Mabton.

He loved “his kids,” worried about them and regretted the loss of so many promising young minds to the demands of economic survival, to their lack of self-confidence. He was concerned by the lack of role models in schools and communities and by the pervasive prejudices alive and well in the Yakima Valley.

Bob was an excellent role model, always well-groomed, well-prepared and on time. He was quiet and courteous and worked long hours preparing his lessons. I’m sure he never appreciated the fact that he was teaching more subtle lessons of hope, self-respect and accountability at the same time.

Teachers are seldom praised and often blamed, but I was happy to know that Angelica wants to teach in the Yakima Valley. Role models like her are sorely needed.

Finally, if you remember any teachers who have inspired, encouraged or made a difference in your life, please tell them so while they are alive.

MEMO: “Your turn” is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a “Your turn” column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write “Your turn,” The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane 99210-1615.