Lessons To Be Learned
Impact of events fifty years ago. (500 words)17 total reviews
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
A beautiful, well-told story. By today's standards Mr. Ron would have been fired, black-balled as an educator, lost his teaching license or jailed. I appreciate the large font, it made for easy reading. The story was told in chronological order and flowed well. Good luck in the contest.
A beautiful, well-told story. By today's standards Mr. Ron would have been fired, black-balled as an educator, lost his teaching license or jailed. I appreciate the large font, it made for easy reading. The story was told in chronological order and flowed well. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 18-Jul-2022
Comment from Susan Newell
Lisa May,
This is a perfectly told story about the influences of one man on two young women. I do believe that true love can span great distances in age. How tragic that Ron was taken from her so soon. Perhaps that is why their love burned so fervently -- because it was destined to be short-lived. Good luck in the contest.
Sue
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
Lisa May,
This is a perfectly told story about the influences of one man on two young women. I do believe that true love can span great distances in age. How tragic that Ron was taken from her so soon. Perhaps that is why their love burned so fervently -- because it was destined to be short-lived. Good luck in the contest.
Sue
Comment Written 11-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
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I greatly appreciate your high rating and compassionate comments. Thank you!
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You are very welcome.
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:)))
Comment from Carol Clark2
Good story, well written. What a shame Ron was killed; I can understand how Barbara never got over his death. It's great that you're still friends for so many years. Best wishes in the contest. Blessings. Carol
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
Good story, well written. What a shame Ron was killed; I can understand how Barbara never got over his death. It's great that you're still friends for so many years. Best wishes in the contest. Blessings. Carol
Comment Written 09-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
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Thanks for your review. That accident caused so much grief... it made my friendship with Barbara so strong because of getting though it together.
Comment from Reese Turner
So sorry for y'all's loss of a good man. So happy for Barbara's recovery so far. A gripping story to read. I can relate to the love of the road, but I'll never understand you motorcycle types. Creature comforts is what I'm all about. Fridge, TVs, large, dry mattress- just the basics.
Full disclosure - I did not make it past the end of the chain on Uluru.
So sorry for y'all's loss of a good man. So happy for Barbara's recovery so far. A gripping story to read. I can relate to the love of the road, but I'll never understand you motorcycle types. Creature comforts is what I'm all about. Fridge, TVs, large, dry mattress- just the basics.
Full disclosure - I did not make it past the end of the chain on Uluru.
Comment Written 05-Jul-2022
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
You tell a complex tale here. I can't believe you were the only two students who Ron became so closely involved with, and can't help wondering what other interactions remained unrevealed. Kate xx
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2022
You tell a complex tale here. I can't believe you were the only two students who Ron became so closely involved with, and can't help wondering what other interactions remained unrevealed. Kate xx
Comment Written 05-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2022
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You are right to feel suspicious, given how often these situations can sometimes be the tip of the iceberg. If Ron ever was 'involved' with other students there was never any hint of it. He was held in high regard (which of course can hide wrongdoings until they are exposed). Barbara appeared to be the only student he ever partnered up with, and I became friends due to being Barb's best friend and my interest in motorbikes. I was invited along on the road trip to reassure Barb's parents she had supportive company apart from Ron on that long-distance trip. I always trusted my father's opinion of people - he was like a dog, able to sniff out undesirables - and he always thought Ron was a wonderful man.
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, Lessons to be Learned, to fun, in a way, and ultimately poignant and a bit tragic. The center theme is this love for motorcycles and what independence it provides.
This story, Lessons to be Learned, to fun, in a way, and ultimately poignant and a bit tragic. The center theme is this love for motorcycles and what independence it provides.
Comment Written 05-Jul-2022
Comment from Michele Harber
It never ceases to amaze me that you have never-ending stories. I could probably tell my entire life, start to finish, in half an hour.
Regarding your story, I can't say I approve of a teacher in his 40's becoming romantically involved with an 18-year-old student (especially as the mother of an 18-year-old student myself). On the other hand, I respect the nonjudgmental nature of most of the people you say saw this unfold first-hand.
I enjoyed the way you followed the simultaneous tracks of your friend's love for her teacher, and yours for his motorcycle (and motorcycles in general). You do know how to make your stories interesting for those who didn't see them play out first-hand. I'm sorry for the tragic ending, but glad you and your friend managed to go on with your lives - and your friendship.
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
It never ceases to amaze me that you have never-ending stories. I could probably tell my entire life, start to finish, in half an hour.
Regarding your story, I can't say I approve of a teacher in his 40's becoming romantically involved with an 18-year-old student (especially as the mother of an 18-year-old student myself). On the other hand, I respect the nonjudgmental nature of most of the people you say saw this unfold first-hand.
I enjoyed the way you followed the simultaneous tracks of your friend's love for her teacher, and yours for his motorcycle (and motorcycles in general). You do know how to make your stories interesting for those who didn't see them play out first-hand. I'm sorry for the tragic ending, but glad you and your friend managed to go on with your lives - and your friendship.
Comment Written 01-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
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It never ceases to amaze me that so many storytelling moments happen in my life.
You have a mother's natural concern for Leah's wellbeing. I didn't think Mr. Neville and Barbara should've got together, due to the age gap, but I quickly realised they were suited.
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If it works it works - as long as it's all on the up and up. Not every man going after a much younger woman is doing it for love but, if he was, and it was reciprocated, then I'm glad they enjoyed their time together.
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I never really saw any sign of active pursuit on Ron's part; they gravitated towards each other then after school finished they got together romantically. Barbara was such a studious goody-goody at school, hardly anyone could believe she would get in such a serious relationship. It didn't get in the way of her university studies though - actually it probably helped her, with Ron being a teacher.
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Theirs could have been, as they say, the exception that proves the rule.
Comment from royowen
How wonderful to have such a good, lifelong friend in Barbara (my sister's name) your love of motorcycling, Ron's death, (exactly my reason for an aversion to it) although my best friend loves his motor cycle, but rides it less because of his gear wife, he's one of the pastors at our church, a top bloke. Thanks for sharing, soulmates don't have to be the same age, beautifully written Jenny, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
How wonderful to have such a good, lifelong friend in Barbara (my sister's name) your love of motorcycling, Ron's death, (exactly my reason for an aversion to it) although my best friend loves his motor cycle, but rides it less because of his gear wife, he's one of the pastors at our church, a top bloke. Thanks for sharing, soulmates don't have to be the same age, beautifully written Jenny, blessings Roy
Comment Written 01-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
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Thanks for your review, Roy.
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A pleasure
Comment from Mary Vigasin
I was expecting a story of how a teacher-student relationship ends in his career being ruined. Instead, in a well-written story, you showed a true love story that ends sadly.
Ron did seem to be an exceptionally caring man.
Interesting too was how he took the time to show you how to service motorcycles. He was always interested in teaching.
Glad that Barbara and your friendship lasts these so many years.
Best wishes,
Mary
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
I was expecting a story of how a teacher-student relationship ends in his career being ruined. Instead, in a well-written story, you showed a true love story that ends sadly.
Ron did seem to be an exceptionally caring man.
Interesting too was how he took the time to show you how to service motorcycles. He was always interested in teaching.
Glad that Barbara and your friendship lasts these so many years.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment Written 01-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
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Thanks for your comments, Mary. I had concerns about Mr. Neville and Barbara getting together, but quickly saw that they suited each other.
Comment from RodG
I enjoyed this story, Lisa, as It explained how you got into biking and traveling. I can only imagine what it was like to cross Australia, and because I taught I know how some students develop long-lasting relationships with their teachers. My best friend, a math teacher, ultimately married a student he had in class after she graduated. Rod
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
I enjoyed this story, Lisa, as It explained how you got into biking and traveling. I can only imagine what it was like to cross Australia, and because I taught I know how some students develop long-lasting relationships with their teachers. My best friend, a math teacher, ultimately married a student he had in class after she graduated. Rod
Comment Written 01-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
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Thanks for your comments, Rod. I had concerns about Mr. Neville and Barbara getting together, but quickly saw that they suited each other.