Today was a tough day. I had to say goodbye to one of the most inspirational students I have taught. Owen Tenbrook is a young man who has Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN). This rare genetic disorder affects Owen’s ability to feel pain, temperature and where he is in space. He can get injured and never feel pain in his legs and arms because he has no feeling.
Owen came to me as a 6th grade student with several years of drum set lessons taught by Randy Sage. Randy has done a remarkable job with Owen and it was my turn to be affected by Owen’s contagious passion of music and his ability to play any rock and roll piece. He became an excellent percussionist, learning mallets and snare drum techniques through his hard work.
The point of this whole story is that Owen has learned to overcome lots of physical limitations to become this young man. A young man in which 50 of his “closest” classmates came together to share how he has made a difference in their lives. First of all, to hear 8th graders share their personal feelings is huge, second to share how one person – who most of his life has been in a wheelchair has affected them - is beyond comprehension. A lot of knowledge is imparted to students in school, but the hard lessons in life, overcoming challenges, learning how to be empathetic and to support and encourage each other, are life lessons that we as teachers all hope for our students to learn. This came to fruition in Bethany Stoller’s class on Wednesday 6th period. Posters were adorned throughout the room and kids had the limelight on them to give back to Owen a little of what Owen has given each of us. The class ended with Owen holding it together – accepting with grace how he has made a difference. The ever stoic boy finally succumbed to his own emotions as another teacher, Ms. Eileen Brennock came in and gave Owen a hug and a kiss on his head wishing him the best. Finally, the tears flowed from Owen, as they are now as I write this story of how a young man, who has never had a moment of self pity, has made a profound affect on so many. Owen - I wish you the best. You will be missed, but your impact on Chehalem Valley Middle School will be a forever moment.
Submitted by David Sanders, Instrumental Music Teacher at CVMS
