Page 266 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman
P. 266
JUDY K JOHNSON
Cricket Bidleman...
Landslide was one
of Harley's favorite
songs, and also one of
mine. Her voice is
incredible... And when I
was at the #NFB
#STEM2U Leadership
academy in October, I
listened to Harley
figuring it out by ear... It took him exactly three minutes, and as you
can see, the song is significantly longer than that. He didn't know I
was timing him, but I have to say, three minutes is really impressive.
And while we're at it, here's a photo from that weekend. It's the only
one I have of him and me, and that's really sad. But I don't need
photos (I can't see them anyway) because I have so many cherished
memories that I'll always carry with me. You'll always be loved and
remembered, Harley, and in that way, you will always live on.
Whitney Shumate...
Harley left an indelible mark on my life. He was an old soul, and
easily the most impressive person I've ever met. He had endured so
much adversity with an indomitable spirit. He never seemed to feel
sorry for himself, and there would be no shame if he had. He always
turned to humor and strove to make others feel at ease before dealing
with his own comfort. My friends and family knew how important he
was to me because I talked about him all the time. In my classroom, I
have a corner devoted to him with things from his room that he
mother gave me—Harry Potter posters and a broom that I hang from
the ceiling. His spirit is one that I always want to feel in my room, one
that encourages me to keep persevering, value learning, find fun in
the midst of challenge, and seek to lift others up.
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