Influence

Let’s see, my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Kresge. My eight grade science teacher Mr. Tremaine, or perhaps my cat. There were so many teachers who gave so much in time and effort. but I think I’ll go with my cat Clancy J. Bumps (AKA The Grey Menace).

Why go with a cat? Well, it’s simple. After launching as a folksinger and Pius Itinerant, I had no responsibilities except myself. And I acted that way. I was shameless in my self-centeredness.

Girlfriends? Well, yes, but that was all they were. Many relationships failed to launch because of my sunny but irresponsible behavior.

When the little grey kitten took hold of me one day in Ottowa, he began a sea change in my behavior. I was responsible for something other than myself or my guitar.

Clancy joined me on several major road trips; there was no choice, if we had to relocate, he had to come. Getting rides with a cat carrier, guitar, and pack was easy. Animal lovers didn’t “give a dead rat’s ass” about me. But a poor kitty? “Hop in; how far are you going?” Stops at cafes and bars on the way? He got free roast beef ( his favorite).

Most important of all, I learned to think about someone else’s needs before mine. Then, I learned to extend it past Clancy to include my other relationships. We all need to do this sooner or later; how we do it may differ. But it’s vastly essential to our formation as well-functioning humans as that we do.

Daily writing prompt

Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

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