Siegfried Farnon
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| Real 'Siegfried Farnon (sitting), known as Donald Sinclair in real life, and Robert Hardy (standing), the actor who portrayed him in 'All Creatures Great and Small'. |
Charities Dr. Farnon supported:
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Siegfried Farnon was a veterinary in Yorkshire, England (those that have ever heard of, or watched BBC TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small' may be very familiar with this particular individual). He lived in a small village, and literally spread love wherever it was that he went. There was no animal or child that didn't receive love from this individual. He was quick to help those around him, and asked for nothing in return. Whenever there was a sick animal, it was Dr. Farnon that spent the entire night with it to make sure that the creature got the cuddles and comfort that was needed. If there was an animal that was mistreated, it was again the good vet that gave the owners a good talking to and made sure that the animal was never mistreated again. There was never a moment when Siegfried lost his patience with any animal, even when the said animal got a little violent because it didn't want to be pricked with a needle or touched in a certain area. So in simple words, the man had a magic touch that not too many of us possess. He simply 'got' those he was in contact with. He did what he did because he loved it, not because it was expected of him, or brought him money. I bet you anything the man would have done it all for free, simply because he enjoyed giving a part of himself to those who were lonely, defenseless, vulnerable, etc. Truly magnificent, in my part.
I think that someone like Dr. Farnon would make a wonderful teacher for children with special needs, because as I've said before, he gives a part of himself away when helping others. In my eyes, that's what a great teacher does; shares him/herself with the children, and is not fearful that there will be no material compensation. Working with animals and children involves a great deal of patience, and I'll tell you, anyone who is able to keep calm when being kicked by a rather upset horse definitely has that trait down pat. As a teacher, one must be able to keep cool regardless of the situation, and remember, that children with special needs are not doing some of the things on purpose. They can't help it, and are not in need of being yelled at, but simply taught how to cope better, or replace the behavior with something a little more acceptable. I know that when I have my own classroom and my own students, I'll be thinking of Dr. Farnon a great deal, and drawing inspiration from his endless supply of love, patience, compassion, acceptance and kindness. I can guarantee they will get me through some rough and difficult situations.
Robert Hardy
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| Robert Hardy (standing) meeting Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. He's known for his phenomenal portrayal of Siegfried Farnon in 'All Creatures Great and Small'. |
Charities Mr. Hardy Supports
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Robert Hardy is a British actor, known for his roles of Siegfried Franon in 'All Creatures Great and Small', Prince Albert in 'Edward the King', Minister of Magic 'Harry Potter' series, Winston Churchill, Henry V, and others. However, what I like about hiim (besides the great acting ability and the fact that he loves history and knows a ton about the crossbow) is his ability to reach people and make them smile. This man is now in his mid-eighties, but that doesn't stop him from going to children's hospices and spending time with children who are terminally ill, reading them stories, making them smile, and just listening to their fears and dreams. One of the stories that stood out to me was when he was at an event, and chose to spend time with children who had special needs. The parents were shocked that this man, who ought to be sitting and relaxing was down on the floor, playing with the little ones, and having as much fun as they were (if not more). The hosts of the event didn't even bat an eyelash, because they've observed this type of behavior many, many times from Mr. Hardy and said that it was basically the norm. When one looks at any pictures of this man interacting with children, one can see that he's truly interested in what they have to say. He's listening to and not just hearing their words. Mr. Hardy is also a huge animal lover (he portrayed a vet after all), and has a knack for understanding and loving them as well. On the set of 'All Creatures Great and Small' animals flocked to him and wanted extra cuddles when it was time for a break. It's so lovely to see someone who is a celebrity be so genuine and sincere when spending time with those who are in need of a hug, or a smile, because those little gestures can be a source of sunshine for someone who is down, or seriously ill.
Now, I have learned about Mr. Hardy and Dr. Farnon from my lovely friend Rose, and I just wanted to share her stories about how these two men touched her life as well as her heart:
In March 2004 my grandmother passed away. I sank
into a bad depression. A friend of ours brought the boxed set of ACGAS over as
a gift to our family- it had helped their family through a time of grief. From
the moment I " met" Siegfried Farnon, my life changed- never been the
same. He helped me find joy again.
Since that dreadful time, he's been with me
through it all- bad days at school, Dr. appointments, scary medical procedures,
hospital stays, deaths of loved ones and friends, panic attacks, everything,
joys and sorrows. He knows my greatest hopes, and dreams, and my deepest
darkest fears. In my mind, he is unconditional love, personified. Now when I
see someone in pain, I point them in Siegfried's direction- pass the love on so
to speak.
Fast forward to June 2009- a life changing period
yet again.
Robert Hardy is the actor who portrays Siegfried
Farnon in the All Creatures Great and Small TV show.. To say this man is
magnificent does not do the man justice. He has magnificent talent, but more
important to me, he is heroic, in heart and humanity, but like all true heroes
is too humble to realize it. This is the kind of man for which we erect statues
for folks.
After I had seen him portray Siegfried Farnon, I
was hooked, and have seen most of his many performances.
I found his fan mail address in early 2009 on an
Internet forum, and wrote him a fan letter, thanking him for his impact on my
life.
I could never have dreamed what happend next.
He sent me a long handwritten letter, with
2 autographed pictures. What he did for my spirit, I can not express in words,
nor will he ever know.
The best part is the fact that I know that I am one
of countless people whose lives have been touched- been changed by his
magic.
Again, here's yet another person who demonstrates some 'great teacher' qualities. What jumps out at me, is that he's involved with his heart not just his brain or a sense of duty when it comes to helping others. He takes the time to make others around him feel important and special, allowing those people to gain at least a little bit of self-confidence, and to get something to smile about. Children crave that, and teachers need to always remember that it is their job to put their entire heart and being into the profession. Like Dr. Farnon, Mr. Hardy gives a piece of himself to those he encounters and I would bet my last dollar, he doesn't expect a monetary compensation or a great deal of praise. For these two men, a smile from a person that was feeling down is rewarding enough, just like even the smallest progress a student makes should be the greatest reward possible for a teacher that is in the profession with her/his whole heart and soul.
Diana Princess of Wales
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You may have thought of this person as a fairytale princess, who married her prince back on a sunny July day of 1981, or as a style icon, who looked flawless whenever she stepped outside of her residence. Or, perhaps you saw her as a tragic human being, plagued by eating disorder, a loveless marriage, and endless camera crews that just won't give her a break. Yes, she was all those things, and much, much more. She was a loving and devoted mother and a humanitarian. She brought attention to issues that others were too afraid to touch, such as HIV/AIDS, addiction and eating disorders. She had no fear of talking to those that were different, and shared herself with people who were misunderstood and lonely. This woman didn't need to dress immaculately to be appreciated and recognized, because she was loved all over the world for her tireless efforts to help those that were in need. She was taken from us all too soon, but her good works are not forgotten. They live on in various organizations that she supported, and most importantly in her two sons.
Why did I choose Princess Diana as a role model? The answer is simple; she had a great deal of qualities that would have made her absolutely invaluable in a classroom for children with special needs. She had no fear of anyone who was different. It didn't matter if a person was homeless and had germs from here to kingdom come. She showed that person love and acceptance. In the world of special ed. there are plenty of children who may not be 'attractive' by society's standards. It may be because the child is not able to stop emitting saliva, or have a feeding tube, or need help using the toilet, and the teacher has to be able to put all of that aside, and love the child without a reservation. Yes, folks, that includes giving cuddles and getting spat on (and not giving a c*** that one's designer shirt got ruined), being able to help with feeding and not complaining about diaper changes. We could all take a leaf out of Diana's book, and simply open our hearts accept those that are just a little different from the rest of us. I know that I will be looking to this woman for a great deal of guidance during my career.
Prince William (Duke of Cambridge)
Charities Prince William Supports:
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Sometimes healing comes from suffering, and when watching this young man interact with those who are less fortunate, the statement literally comes to life. Of course some may remember William as a young boy of fifteen, walking behind the coffin of his beloved Mummy, or better yet, a dashing prince, marrying his Cinderella at Westminster Abbey on a cloudless April morning (the whole world was celebrating that day, just like it was mourning with him a little more than a decade ago).
What do I see? I see a human being who took his pain, and used it to help others. Like his mother, he chose to work with charities that had no glamour (he even slept in a sleeping bag in the freezing December weather to raise awareness of homelessness with charity Centerpoint). However, what I really love is how he interacts with children. There's no reservation about him when he's in their company. I recall seeing a picture of him, hugging a child when visiting a special needs classroom. I said to myself 'if I didn't know any better, I would have thought that was the teacher, he looks so at ease in the environment'. During the tour of Canada and US last summer, he took the time to talk to three sisters who lost their mother, and wasn't afraid to share his own grief. Even though he always attributes what he does to his mother, a lot of it comes from him. Yes, you can model compassion, but you cannot pass it on; a person either has it, or doesn't, and William has plenty of it to share.
Like Dr. Farnon, Mr. Hardy and Princess Diana, William shares himself and his heart with those who are in need, and that's what a good teacher does. It's a theme, I think when it comes to those I admire, because that's what they all have in common. They come into a room, ready to love and accept. That's what a good teacher does. The teacher is at home in the classroom, and isn't afraid to give a hug (like William did, and he was a visitor [boy, do I want him in my classroom one day ;)]). A good teacher is able to get down on the carpet and play with the kids, and really get into their games, and make sure learning takes place too (seen Wills do that as well while teaching English to children of a remote village in Chile). Yes, good teachers make sure their students come out with lots of skills, but great teaches make sure their children come out with lots of self-confidence, compassion and ability to understand more than just textbook facts. Bet if Wills was in the classroom, that would definitely be taking place.
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