David F. Uhry Dc
Dear Dear George….
In a time where insecurities and self-discovery was on the tip of our skin, you were an angel to young hearts at BBHS and Ridge Street. Admittedly, my brief stay in NY from 6-9th grade endured many emotional scars, trials and learning experiences. Mr. Trautwein was one of a few mentors who stood out as a defender of self-respect, self-esteem and self-confidence to those adolescent pimple-faced youths just ‘trying to find our way.’ He instilled in us the basic laws of humanity, which was to respect all others in spite of our differences. He passionately asked us to challenge ourselves, which led some to an increased level of self-confidence.
He taught me “There is a fine line between love and hate,” and that jealousy may even play a part in the production of that aspect in our life… And then gave me one of his patented raised eyebrow looks and a smile that is indelible in our hearts and minds…and always will be.
Personally, he helped me believe in myself at a time when I didn’t even believe I had any value. He brought out self-confidence and through his direction and genuine passionate to help us learn life’s lessons, he helped raise my level of self-acceptance. He praised our efforts and achievements. He was the consummate cheerleader to all of us. He made us believe that there is nothing we can’t do and he was proud to have his hand in our education. To me, he was a kind, genuine and unique character full of love, passion and humor. One funny story to share: There was a time when we were working alone in the LGI and he went off on his piano but asked me to stay in key with what he was teaching at the time. I did this and I did it with authority (which at that time I was very insecure and didn’t have much self confidence). He said “David, if you continue on this path, you could sing at the metropolitan opera and I’m not blowing smoke up your ass.” Being the naïve kid at age 14, I had to go home and ask my dad what he meant by ‘blowing smoke up my ass.’ This is a true story as God is my witness, but one worth repeating. HA!
Thank You George for showing us your love and passion for humanity. Thank you for teaching us to reach for excellence in others and ourselves. Most of all, thank you for being a mentor to some of us during a critical time in our development when we needed it most; even though we may not have realized it at the time. Because of you George, I try to instill the same values of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect in my kids…. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Thank you for being an eternal mentor.....
Comments:
Cynthia Mesh
Thank you, David. What is so extraordinary to me about your words is the way in which they ring true for me and I think each and every one of us participating in this community of grief. How did George have so much love, generosity, passion, devotion and encouragement to give to not one special student or two, but hundreds, maybe more? He was an angel on earth, and now he is just an angel and he will be forever, indelibly in my heart.
Dear Dear George….
In a time where insecurities and self-discovery was on the tip of our skin, you were an angel to young hearts at BBHS and Ridge Street. Admittedly, my brief stay in NY from 6-9th grade endured many emotional scars, trials and learning experiences. Mr. Trautwein was one of a few mentors who stood out as a defender of self-respect, self-esteem and self-confidence to those adolescent pimple-faced youths just ‘trying to find our way.’ He instilled in us the basic laws of humanity, which was to respect all others in spite of our differences. He passionately asked us to challenge ourselves, which led some to an increased level of self-confidence.
He taught me “There is a fine line between love and hate,” and that jealousy may even play a part in the production of that aspect in our life… And then gave me one of his patented raised eyebrow looks and a smile that is indelible in our hearts and minds…and always will be.
Personally, he helped me believe in myself at a time when I didn’t even believe I had any value. He brought out self-confidence and through his direction and genuine passionate to help us learn life’s lessons, he helped raise my level of self-acceptance. He praised our efforts and achievements. He was the consummate cheerleader to all of us. He made us believe that there is nothing we can’t do and he was proud to have his hand in our education. To me, he was a kind, genuine and unique character full of love, passion and humor. One funny story to share: There was a time when we were working alone in the LGI and he went off on his piano but asked me to stay in key with what he was teaching at the time. I did this and I did it with authority (which at that time I was very insecure and didn’t have much self confidence). He said “David, if you continue on this path, you could sing at the metropolitan opera and I’m not blowing smoke up your ass.” Being the naïve kid at age 14, I had to go home and ask my dad what he meant by ‘blowing smoke up my ass.’ This is a true story as God is my witness, but one worth repeating. HA!
Thank You George for showing us your love and passion for humanity. Thank you for teaching us to reach for excellence in others and ourselves. Most of all, thank you for being a mentor to some of us during a critical time in our development when we needed it most; even though we may not have realized it at the time. Because of you George, I try to instill the same values of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect in my kids…. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Thank you for being an eternal mentor.....
Comments:
Cynthia Mesh
Thank you, David. What is so extraordinary to me about your words is the way in which they ring true for me and I think each and every one of us participating in this community of grief. How did George have so much love, generosity, passion, devotion and encouragement to give to not one special student or two, but hundreds, maybe more? He was an angel on earth, and now he is just an angel and he will be forever, indelibly in my heart.
