Question 1: Whose life have you had the greatest impact on?
I believe I have impacted my daughters’ lives more than anyone. One major reason is both were there with me when they were born. They were there when I changed their diapers and at their first day of school. They were there during those times when I was grouchy and unkind, and when I was ill for so many years.
Now that they are in their 40’s both daughters can see how my choices and behavior have impacted them and are connected to their lives, relationships, attitude toward work, play, and family.
Question 2: If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for all high school students, which book would you choose?
There are so many books that would be at the top of my list, both fiction and nonfiction—from Clive Cussler mysteries, C.S. Lewis’ works, to the biographies of our nation’s founding leaders. Yet, I may (or may not) surprise some readers with my choice here. And although this may not fit well for some, I would choose the Bible as mandatory reading. Why?
My reason is very personal since my Christian faith has sustained my life in every way through the years. I would not only make it required reading but also create a classroom setting for open, honest, respectful dialogue on the what, why, who, where, when, and how questions.
This ancient book covers thousands of years of personal and prophetic human history, along with the attitudes and often rocky relationships with the God of the Bible. I would love to be sitting in the midst to hear the students’ dialogue about humanity’s odyssey with the divine.
Question 3: If you could instill one piece of advice in a newborn baby’s mind, what advice would you give?
Discover where you find your greatest joy and purpose in life as you gift others with faith, hope, and love.
Question 4: Is stealing to feed a starving child wrong?
Stealing is always wrong no matter the motive or intent. However, I would extend grace if the person believed at the time it was their only option, particularly with children. Yet, when we are frantic or feel an urgency, we often miss other options than stealing food. If we don’t have those other means to offer food, we also often simply don’t ask someone to help. We then miss an opportunity together to do good the honest way.
I must admit this question is a hard one to generalize a response. For most of us, we do not see or are not aware of starving children in our daily lives. For those who do, I am sure they would offer a more valuable perspective and considerable input on this question.
Question 5: What is the difference between innocence and ignorance?
As an adult, I sometimes feel the difference between innocence and ignorance is much broader. We are often innocently unaware of certain circumstances or information. Yet, we each have an opportunity to go from ignorance to informed. For a child, innocence and ignorance are much narrower, naturally. A child is just beginning their life journey and start off believing just about everything Mom and Dad says. The story books we read to them are real to them.
As they develop, and their curiosity is encouraged and nurtured, hopefully children become more aware of their surroundings. Their ignorance or inexperience gradually is tempered by their curiosity and questions that grow larger with every year.
Question 6: What is your most beloved childhood memory?
With having a very rough childhood, it’s hard to remember something that would fit an answer to this question. I do remember getting my own radio for my bedroom when I turned sixteen. I can even remember the color of the radio was beige with all kinds of 1960 technology knobs and buttons!
I also remember listening to Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day,” Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up,” Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” Bill Haley and the Comets’ “Rock around the Clock,” Pat Boone’s Fat Domino version “Ain’t That a Shame,” Cubby Checker’s “The Twist,” and Andy Williams’ version of “Moon River” composed by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Question 7: What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
I feel like this question is answered with my response to question six for the most beloved and happiest childhood memory. It is amazing how such a simple memory of a small beige colored radio, all my own, back then gives me the gift to see my childhood in a gentler context. There were those kinder, more beloved, happier days.