"If you don't know my midnight, don't be jealous of my morning." That is a quote from Mr. Willie Boulware, my former employer. What he meant was that we should not be envious of others' success if we did not know the troubles those people had been through. In the 70's, I was the school secretary and he was the principal at the Alternative School, a school for children with discipline problems. He was a man of great wisdom, and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.
He was a poor black kid in the south in the 40's and 50's. He became a talented musician and played in those wonderful first soul/rock and roll bands. And oh, the stories he loved to tell! During his adult life he taught school and was a principal, a preacher, and served on community boards all over town. He ended up with six college degrees, in everything from English literature to education to ministry.
According to today's local paper, the Rock Hill Herald, Mr. B used to also say to his children "Do your best and strive for more". He not only said that to his children but to his students and his employees. Most people who were around Mr. B for any length of time improved their lives -- either by going back to school, seeking a better job, or broadening their thinking. He was forever encouraging, actually pushing everybody to do more, to go for their dreams.
Mr. Boulware died Monday after some years of illness. I am so very grateful for the impact he had on my life. He was a good man who made this world a much better place. Oh, what a legacy! Thank you, Mr. B!
P. S. Thank you to the Rock Hill Herald for information.
He sounds like a wonderful man. I love his quote. That is true in so many ways. Lets hope his wisdom lives on in everyone that knew him.
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