Mrs. Bell

Mrs. Bell was a total character. But I think if your name is Mary Carroll Bell, it’s kind of required. She was flamboyant and had loose-fitting clothes with too many frills. She had frizzy hair, carried a big bag over her shoulder and wore bright red lipstick. She was so courageous in being herself. And she was wicked smart. She taught 11th grade English, and I can still parse a sentence like a scholar. One Christmas, she invited me to her home to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” awakening my lifelong love for the movies, which propelled me into my first job in motion picture marketing and launched my career in entertainment. And one personal lesson that I’ll never forget. When I lost the vote for senior class president, I cut across a center courtyard to congratulate the winner, an act Mrs. Bell witnessed from her own classroom. A few days later I received a handwritten note from her in the mail at home. From Mrs. Bell, sharing what she’d seen and what it told her about my character, and grace, and honor. I’m sure I still have that note somewhere. How much she taught me about the power of a gesture in taking the time to quietly write that note, and never bring it up again. What humility, what wisdom she had. Mrs. Bell, I thank you and I salute you!