Rich Curby

Rich Curby was one of the most popular math teachers at Edison for many years during the 1970's and 1980's. Where is he now? Find out in his own moving words ...

Note: This is a transcript of a talk Rich Curby gave at the Fellowship Congregational Church on Sunday, November 2, 2008. He gave the message to the congregation in sign language - and a translator was present so others could understand. According to Holly Sweet '70 "it was one of the most inspirational speeches I've ever witnessed."

Show and tell. There are some pictures of me “before and after” on the table in the Narthex. Please look at them after the service.

I THANK God for everyday I draw a breath. I thank GOD for everyday I draw a breath. Thirty years ago, before my fortieth birthday a doctor found a tumor about the size of a golf ball just below my right eye and in line with my ear. I had four surgeries to remove it. After one surgery which took 23 hours, I was in I.C.U for one month and the hospital for seven months. To date I have been in the hospital over 500 days. That is one year plus in the hospital. Many people thought I could die. But only the good die young. I am mean. I thank God for EVERDAY I draw a breath

When my work was suspended, our Pastor gave me a check for $1,000. I was blown away! It was hard to accept the money from friends, people I considered family. But I have learned one way to show love is to accept help. I thank God for everyday I DRAW a breath.

I taught at Edison High School for fourteen years. My first surgery occurred with one quarter of the school year left. My third surgery occurred with one half of the school year left. I had some sick leave saved but not nearly enough. Many, many teachers gave me some of their sick leave and I was paid for two full years. I am blessed with many friends. Most I do not know. I THANK God for everyday I draw a breath.

I have received so much love and support over the years. I want to give back. Some say you should give 5% to the church and 5% to the needy and home less. It is interesting to note, if every member gave 5% to the church, then the church would have enough money. But in the real world every member does not give 5%. So, some must give more. I am able to give over 10% and three hours a week outside church time. I know some who volunteer more time. I am very grateful. I thank God for everyday I draw a BREATH.

You don’t have to become sick to be grateful. “Joke.” You can be grateful to God because you are healthy. And for many friends you don’t know. We all are grateful to God. If you wish, please sign with me. I thank God for everyday I draw a breath. Thanks, Praise God.

Rich Curby

You can e-mail Rich Curby by clicking here.
You can read Rich's blog by clicking here.

Note: You can visit Rich most any Sunday morning at Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 South Harvard in Tulsa. Bring your ASL interpreting skills, and he'll find you a position at $100 per service. 918-747-7777

Copyright © 1999-2010
Karen Kenworthy
All Rights Reserved

You are visitor 582,078
Site designed and developed by Karen Kenworthy