Lucky Enough to Know Tim Murphy

Today, I stood on Candy Cane Lane and watched Mr. Tim Murphy go through one last time.  It was humbling standing in the middle of his creation and legacy.  It was humbling to realize, like everyone else has, his impact on the community of West Frankfort and the surrounding region.  As the line of cars drove through, I saw the faces of so many that had a close friendship with him and have shared so many of their fond memories with me.  If you were lucky enough, you got to spend time with Murph and have your own memories.

I am one of the lucky ones.  Tim was teaching art at both the junior high and high school when I was hired.  He was also the volleyball coach at both buildings.  That means I got to share some laughs and frustrations with him.  Sure you knew him as the Candy Cane Lane man, but I got to be his co-worker.  Even after he retired, he never stayed a stranger.  He helped judge contests for us.  He helped build stage pieces for graduation.  He would come by just to say hi.

I was lucky enough to know how much he loved the Beach Boys.  He knew everything about them and had seen them live 93 times at our last count.  My finest moment with Tim Murphy was the time I bested him at Beach Boys knowledge.  The movie Love and Mercy came out about Beach Boys front man, Brian Wilson in 2014.  I asked him if he saw it and what he thought about it.  He had no clue and I was starting to celebrate.  I finally knew something that he didn't about the Beach Boys.  This is the joy of knowing Tim Murphy.  With all the awesome things he has done for West Frankfort, you can get tangled up with him about the Beach Boys.  In my last conversation with him, we were working on the stage for graduation last June.  We spent a good part of our time working talking about how good the whitewall tires looked on his yellow truck.  I am lucky enough to have known Tim Murphy.

When he retired, we lost art for a short time due to budget cuts.  His void was definitely felt and the loss of art was felt.  We tried in every way we could to keep art alive even if he could not teach it.  I know that the community will keep his spirit alive through Candy Cane Lane.  For those who are lucky enough, we can keep his spirit alive by telling his stories and letting him live through those stories.

Rest in peace Timbo.

First Round Draft Pick

My son is a huge NBA fan.  He keeps up with players, stats and trades.  It's like he is aspiring general manager and who knows maybe he will be.  It has become a thing at our house to watch the draft each year.  While he is critiquing every pick no matter who takes who, I'm rerunning the Key and Peele sketch in the back of may head.  What if we treated teachers like pro athletes?

I enjoy watching the draft with him.  There is one thing about it that I get and that he doesn't yet at twelve years old.  When those kids in the upper picks start crying when their name is called, I know what that represents. Sure it will means millions of dollars for them, but it also is the reward for a lifetime of work and sacrifice.  Many of these kids are moving so far out of poverty and struggle that it is overwhelming to know you have made it.

Though I did not become a millionaire overnight, I can relate to this rush of relief after poverty.  I remember being drafted by Mt. Vernon Township High School back in 2002.  Lets keep this parallel going.  Based on the number of teaching interviews I had, I was a fourth round pick for the Rams.  They needed someone with a Sociology endorsement and I fit the bill.  This went on to a five year stay and me accumulating a load of good experience and opportunities.  I was then drafted in the 9th round as an administrator by Elverado in 2007.  In 2011, I was drafted by Frankfort CUSD #168 in the first round to be the Principal at Central Junior High School.  Note: This was the only place I had applied that year so "first round" may be misleading. 😊 

While becoming a teacher changed my whole world, there is no reason it can't have the same effect for anyone else wanting to be "drafted" into their desired profession.  Be a first round draft pick.  Work hard without exception or apology.  Know that you are filling a need for the organization.  Recognize and appreciate the opportunities that come your way.  Be the person that wants the organization to win regardless of the role you get to play.  This is what top round players do.  So what are you doing to be the first round draft pick in your desired field?