my sister called last night to tell me that our elementary school gym teacher has died. although mr. krupa was really more than the gym teacher. he did a little bit of everything, even drove the school bus. he had for the past few years been the principal at the high school.

i am so sad. he really was amazing. he called us 'turkeys' and it felt like a compliment. he was kind and even gentle when the situation called for it. gym can be a harrowing experience for some kids, but he never pushed anyone too hard and never let the uber-athletes or bullies get away with intimidating the less able. i must say my favorite memory is how he would have us line up and stand 'at attention' for 1 minute before letting us play. in a stroke, he taught us to take control of our bodies and heightened our enthusiasm for the game. of course, some days (usually the beginning of the school year and after winter holiday) it would take many minutes for us to be able to stand still for that long. yet, he was never reproachful, just calm and expectant. and we liked it. and adored him.

my prayers are with his wife and teenage children.