Mr. Lobdell

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Lobdell since I was 8 years old.  It's hard to believe that this man is no longer with us, and I wish he could see the impact he had on so many lives.  I'll always remember the good times we had when the "wolfpack" was at Bryce's house for the night.  Who could forget the epic wrestling matches between Patrick and Mr. Lobdell?  Or there was also the time when we had the double elimination ping pong tournament in the basement, and Mr. Lobdell entered the tournament guaranteeing victory. I can also remember him giving me a hard time about going to play football for Wartburg, because in his eyes the Dutch were the supreme team of the Iowa Conference.

 How about the "big laps" during 7th grade football?

 Who could neglect the classic lines he had in class?  I was never fortunate enough to actually have a class with him, but I always loved hearing the stories of him making sure that people check for reasonability.  No one will forget the classic line, "such is life."

Personally, the most influential moment Mr. Lobdell had on my life came during summer after my Freshman year in college.  The “wolfpack” was watching game two of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, (The only clutch buzzer-beating shot LeBron has had in the play-offs).  Mr. Lobdell came in the living room and asked me how my school year went.  I told him that I struggled and got a 2.58 GPA.  I started listing off excuses left and right for why my grade point was so low, which led Mr. Lobdell to crack a small smile and tell me that I can only blame myself for receiving the grades I got.  Some might see this as harsh, I perceived it as a wake-up call.  I want to thank Mr. Lobdell for being one of the elements leading me wake up and realize that nothing in this life will be handed to me.  With hard work, determination, and a will to persevere I can accomplish anything.

If only Mr. Lobdell could see the large outpouring of love this past week.  In a society where it is nearly impossible for teachers to challenge their students and not roll over and give the answers, Mr. Lobdell was able to challenge his students in a way that leads to future success in life.  Mr. Lobdell would always make sure to let you know that nothing was handed to him and that he worked for everything.  It was his work ethic that brought him success.  It is professionals like Mr. Lobdell that keep me interested in the teaching profession.

As time goes on, the shock and sorrow from Mr. Lobdell’s death will slowly fade.  However, the numerous life lessons and proverbs will stick with me, as well as numerous students, community members, family, and friends.  When it comes time to make decisions in life, I will continue to remind myself to always “check for reasonability.”  When hard times come in life, I will hear a faint, “Such is life” and realize that life won’t always be easy.  The biggest thing that will remain is the piece of advice I received on that summer evening in 2009.  When I make mistakes in life, or find myself falling short of success, I know that I am the one who has the power to overcome the trials, or be consumed by them.  When those tough times come, I realize that “tough times won’t last, but tough people will.” (Mr. Lobdell quote courtesy of Andy)

Thank you Mr. Lobdell for the impact you have had in my transition of becoming the man I am today.  I look forward to the day that we will be reunited through Christ.

***He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.***-Revelation 21:4

***Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.***- Psalm 116:15

***For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.***- 1 Corinthians 15:22

***So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.***- John 16:22

In Christ,
Chris Arians