Rhiannon,
I've been thinking and thinking about your note to the group, and while I sincerely appreciate your appreciation of your teacher, I have come to the conclusion that understanding "there is a living, breathing, and very nice person on the other end" is the sort of thinking that ought to go both ways.
I am not aware of Ms. Ludwig being a member of Vocalist for any extended length of time, because if she were, she would have seen that as with any group of people who come together to share thoughts and opinions about a single passion, differences arise and sometimes people make mistakes. This "cyber conversation" is really little different than being in a roomful of folks you barely know. But under such real life circumstances, we are more often forgiving of faux pas and eccentricities; it's easier to be plain old rude when you are simply typing at a keyboard. Even if that was not your original intention.
I am truly sorry that she has had a rough life and hope that she recovers fully from her surgery, but if you posed the question of abuse to the Vocalist, I'd bet there are many of us who have walked down that same path. Every human life contains its own secret struggles for existence; many that I have come to know here over the last several years are truly honorable people who also continually work to overcome.
But they are still humans. Being. And while I may not agree with some things said here, it is only pomposity or grandstanding to which I take exception. Unfortunately, your teacher's words came across in just such a manner.
There is a lesson for everyone here. We do not know one another's "real life" stories and ought to remember this and extend the benefit of the doubt more than perhaps we already do. And your teacher can learn that the written word must be used with great care because real people, with feelings just like hers, are going to read them and react.
As I am fond of telling people, "I'm an astrologer, not a psychic!"
PJ.
. Astrology & New Age . What's Up? . Garnered Images Astrology . A Squirrel's Tale
[ Where beauty moves and wit delights and signs of kindness bind me, there, oh there, wher'ere I go, I leave my heart behind me. (Thomas Ford, 1607) [
----- Original Message -----
From: Maharishi Rhi To: vocalist-temporary@egroups.com Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2000 9:44 PM Subject: [vocalist-temporary] Some important information
Hello,
My name is Rhiannon Llewellyn, and I am a student of Dr. Gabrielle Ludwig. I'd like to tell you a little bit about the woman you have been mocking. First, Dr. Ludwig was born and raised in an abusive home. Because of the abuse she suffered, she is permanently disabled. Despite the disabilities she contends with, she worked her way through school, obtaining a Ph.D. in Music Education, from Julliard Schol of Music. Dr. Ludwig taught for many years, at all levels of education, and donated a substantial amount of her time to schools in 'inner-city' areas where no other music teacher would go. Dr. Ludwig, becoming more disabled over the years, but not giving up the fight, 'retired' from teaching at schools and universities, and now teaches privately. She still donates more than half of her work time, teaching instrumental music, music theory, music appreciation, and music history to disabled and disadvantaged students. Dr. Ludwig is the most giving, caring person I have ever met. One of her students is deaf, but had a burning desire to play the piano. No other teacher would take this student. Dr. Ludwig learned sign language, and took the time to set up a series of 'cues' for this student. Two of Dr. Ludwig's students were born with Down's Syndrome. No other teacher would bother, but Dr. Ludwig took them on as piano students. She works with students who are autistic, have learning disabilities as well as physical disabilities, and does it all with no complaint, even though she suffers chronic pain from her own disabilities. She is never too busy to help a student, and her students feel free to call her any time, day or night, to get help, or to tell her of their accomplishments. Dr. Ludwig has great integrity. Everything she teaches is of the highest quality, and all of her students excel. Dr. Ludwig believes that teachers should be of the highest calibre, and show only the greatest of integrity. I know I am new here, but after reading some of the snide remarks made about this wonderful woman who has given so much to others, I felt that SOMEONE needed to let all of you know who you are talking about. Dr. Ludwig just recently underwent a very painful surgery, and spent Christmas, and will spend the next several months, recuperating. Even though she is in constant pain, she continues to teach. Every single one of her students made arrangements to come to her, even though she gave recommendations to all, for other teachers, while she recovers. She has been traveling to her students, and doesn't let the chronic pain slow her down. Dr. Ludwig is not a saint. She would be the first to tell you that. However, she is about as close as someone can come, in my eyes. At this time, Dr. Ludwig is house-bound, but spends much of her time on the computer, answering e-mails from her beloved students, and providing an e-mail list for them, so that they can all communicate with each other. If anyone can see their way clear to opening their heart and their soul to a wonderful woman, who does not deserve the treatment she got here, e-mail messages of encouragement, or e-mail cards would be greatly appreciated. Her name is Gabrielle Ludwig, and her e-mail address is: elflein@m... Please,no discouraging messages or flames. She has received enough of those, just for keeping her integrity. I have nothing against anyone here, but I think it's important that you know there is a living, breathing, and very nice person on the other end of the nasty messages she has received from some here.
Thank you for listening,
Rhiannon Llewellyn Cardiff, Wales
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