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First student assembly at the Waldorf School
Lexington, Good morning everyone and welcome back as you start school. Mr. Mendenhall was so happy and honored to learn late this spring that 2 trees have been planted to remember him today and always. He talked with me about it a lot. Before he died, he wanted to be sure that I would speak to all of you for him here today and I am both happy and sad to have this honor as his wife. Bob Mendenhall loved trees! But even more, he loved all of you, his students to whom he taught music, his colleagues, and The Waldorf School Community that showed constant caring to us both during the course of his very difficult illness, ALS. He wanted me today, to thank you, each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts. Mr. Mendenhall, of course, wanted me to say a little about music! Bob Mendenhall loved music! He said that when a tree is alive and growing outside with its branches reaching to the sky, it is full of music! The spirited flocks of birds gather among the branches to create their own lively symphonies. "Listen for them," he said, "and you’ll hear my spirit too." He wanted me to say that when a tree is old or can bloom no more – still, something magical can happen yet again. For it is then, that the tree be taken and transformed into a beautiful musical instrument – a violin, a guitar, a recorder and of course, Mr. Mendenhall’s very own favorite – the cello. But even the most beautifully crafted cello is just a piece of wood on its own, without music or magic. It is only when the hand of a small child, a diligent student or a skilled musician picks up this beautiful wooden creation and applies their skill, their spirit and their heart, again and again, that music can happen. Mr. Mendenhall gave you his skill through his teaching – now they are yours to follow in your own way and with your new teachers. He also shared with you his great heart and spirit through his love for music and all of you. Through these, he will always be with us. He asked me to say to you today: Find the music of your truest soul whatever that may be! Make that music, practice it and follow it! And listen! It is EVERYWHERE! In the trees! When you play your instruments and sing! And it is in your hearts. May you love life and music always, as I have. And, remember me, as I will always remember you in my heart for all we have shared.
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