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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