In Memory of Rob Gustafson

In the past five months the famous dictum, supposedly uttered by Socrates, resonates with me now more than ever.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

?While I have heard many interpretations of this quote, the one that stands out came from my Language Arts teacher when I was in the 12th?grade. Ms. Naipaul shared that the quote means that if you are not constantly examining your life, asking questions, and making inquiries about the beauty and challenges of this existence, then you are missing the most meaningful aspects of your life and that of others.?You are essentially taking your existence for granted, and it just might be too late for you to experience the true joy and kindness of those who are making or could have made your life more meaningful.?This saying resonates now, more than ever, as I sat in the pew attending our school district’s 5th?funeral in just over 5 months. It inspires me to exist in a space of thoughtful examination of the beautiful lives around us; particularly those of our teammates, colleagues, and friends. My further interpretation of Socrates' quote is that the key word (unexamined), would be meaningless unless we embrace the call to action of the transitive verb (examine) by doing something different every day after the daily examinations.

A Story of Love and Kindness

One of my favorite stories of love, or some may say “Love Story,” happened in a Millcreek Schools building 24 years ago.?It is said that Rob Gustafson, one of the most dedicated teammates to teachers and staff, and kindest man one would ever meet, was introduced to Heather Brandon, an equally kind and joyful spirit of a lady at Grandview Elementary school 24 years ago. Since that day, Rob wouldn’t leave her side for a moment.?Monday, I attended the Celebration of Life for Rob Gustafson.?As I sat with many well-wishers and mourners listening, I expected that the eulogy would evoke much sadness in what I believe to be the epitome of a melancholy moment. The eulogist, a retired teacher and former colleague of the deceased took us down memory lane with an inspiring story of LOVE and KINDNESS for the ages.?She shared how over the years, she watched the masterful works of Rob as he kept her classroom and that of every teacher spick and span.?She reflected on Rob’s dedication to his job, and the kindness he showed every teacher, staff, and leader at the school.?She talked about her childhood friendship with a beautiful lady named Heather who grew up with her. She invited Heather to visit her classroom at Grandview. Knowing what she knew of Rob’s personality and kindness at work, and Heather’s big heart, she was hoping for a spark between the two if their paths crossed. She shared that she felt like she was in a position to at least try to make it happen.?She shared how she drove Heather to the school.??She smiled as she reflected on the fact that as soon as she introduced Rob to Heather the spark that she hoped for in her “moonlighting pursuit as a matchmaker” was evident between the two.

?Shortly after that initial introduction, Rob, who lived in her neighborhood,?picked a rose from a rosebush and stopped Heather in front of the eulogist’s house. There, he got on one knee with the single rose in hand and asked Heather if she would be his wife.?Guess what her answer was.?YES!?This year marks 24 years of marital bliss for Rob and Heather.

More than 30 years of tireless dedication to his calling to serve the teachers, staff, leaders, and students of the Millcreek Township Schools, and his passing will forever leave a void in the school district, and more importantly, in the hearts of Heather and his family.?Rob found more than joy and fulfillment in his work as a custodian and valued teammate of every Millcreek Schools employee.?He found the love of his lifetime and his best friend.?During those times that I had an opportunity?to speak with Rob, his brief stories about his love for his work and Millcreek’s history were always well received.?

At the funeral service, I shook Heather’s hands to express my condolences and she said to me; “Rob always talked about you.”?I smiled and wondered what those conversations with Heather were about.?Maybe one day I will ask him.????

My question to you is, what actions are you taking daily that align with constantly examining your own lives or that of those with whom you spend time??The examined life is worth living!?It is my continuous hope that the veneration which I have for you, and that which you have for each other and our collective work shines through.?Continue to serve up kindness and EMPATHY each day. For tomorrow isn’t promised!