A few days ago, I found out that Dr. William Richard Shindle, my dissertation advisor, had passed on December 11. Instead of great pain, I feel a lingering sense of sadness. Perhaps, it is because I have not seen him in person for over twenty years; perhaps, it is because I know that my remembrance of him will be long-lasting.
Since our first meeting on a snowy day in January 1984, he quietly guided me through my years of graduate studies. As a doctoral candidate, I was totally unsure of how to proceed in the fields musical studies. He kindly handed me his unfinished project on the works of Giovan Domenico Montella.
Socially, Dr. Shindle was introverted. However, a discussion on any musical subject which excited him would lead to long explanations with great details. There seemed to be endless knowledge in his mind. His enthusiasm in sharing it was always palpable.
There is a Chinese saying: 十年樹木，百年樹人. It takes ten years to nurture a tree to maturity; a hundred years; hundred years to shape a human mind. The work of an educator involves more than patience as it requires endurance and persistence.
I am planting a tree as a “Thank-You” note to a mentor.