Stephen Epstein wrote: "Perhaps the crowning glory of the evening was having Mr. Kratzman arrive onstage. Big hugs between the two of them. He is a gentleman, articulate, loving and kind and far younger looking that I thought was possible! Joni was in tears, as was most of the audience. It was a loving tribute from him, to her!:
Stephen, thanks so much for posting your wonderful report, but especially, for letting us feel as though we were in the front row of the audience for this special reunion. I have been touched over the years by the consistency with which Joni has mentioned Mr. Kratzman, who, of course, "taught [her] to love words." However, I had assumed that poor Mr. Kratzman was likely long departed from this world. Am so glad that isn't the case, and that former student and teacher had the chance to publicly demonstrate their appreciation and affection for one another. I work with teachers professionally, and can only imagine what it would have been like to have the chance to encourage and influence a student like the young Joan Anderson, who had so much to offer, although her gifts, perhaps, were not visible to just anyone. Arthur Kratzman's statement, "if you can paint with a brush, you can paint with words," literally changed Joni's life. . .and quite possibly, ours in the process. Talk about a "teachable moment"! So go hug a teacher today. And that means YOU, anyone who knows Sue Cameron! ;-) . Thanks again, Stephen. Mary P.
