1948, A Long Time Ago

On January 7th, 1948, a young Joe Widick was born into this world. Now, 60 years later, no one could have foreseen his impact on the world.

For around 30 years, he taught in one of the most under appreciated systems in the schools, the private school system. Not only private education, but Christian Education was where he landed. He spent many a night staying up late working on yearbooks, slideshows, newspapers, grading tests, driving the bus for sports teams, cleaning the building, counseling with families, preparing lessons, devotionals, classes, coaching, directing plays, and many other things.

Every Sunday, he would wake up to go and preach for a local country congregation of around 30 or so members. He would diligently preach the word of God in the morning and in the evening, and do it again Wednesday nights.

He woke up early every day of the school year for many years to drive the school bus for the kids who had no other way to get to school, most of the times having none of the kids ever saying thanks.

He was in charge of running the scoreboard and keeping stats for the home basketball games, except for when he had to take the yearbook and newspaper pictures.

During the summers of all the school years he taught, instead of taking time off like so many teachers are able to do, my father worked loading and unloading trucks, and many other various jobs, just to be able to help out with the family bills. There's no way we would have survived. He also took pictures as a wedding photographer, sports team photographer, and many other small projects to help make ends meet.

After many years of serving as a teacher, his job was changed to the position of Principal. He diligently did all he could to bring more AP classes to the school, to up the ante on the education of the school. While doing this, he dropped a few of his responsiblities, but worked all the more.

Now, he serves as an Elder and as a Minister for the Maple Hill Church of Christ in Lebanon. He continues to influence people every single day. Over the past 60 years, my father has influenced thousands of people, all the while humbly bowing his head and not taking any credit.

Here's to my father, Joe Widick, a great man with a love and passion for serving our God in any way possible. Thanks for all you've done for me, my family, and all the people you've ever helped, which are way to many to ever count. I love you dad.