“Molder of Dreams”

“It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb that means that an entire community of people must provide for and interact positively with children so that those children can experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

In the fictitious town of Mayberry, this proverb is experienced in many of The Andy Griffith Show episodes. Growing up motherless, little Opie Taylor has many caring people watching over him. Deputy Barney Fife, barber Floyd Lawson, teacher Helen Crump, and even town-drunk Otis Campbell all look out for Opie’s welfare.

“It takes a village to raise a child” is often found in the real world in villages across our great country. One of my favorite books I have read many times is “Molder of Dreams,” by Guy Doud. Doud was the son of alcoholic parents. In his book, Doud tells the story of his childhood and the people who influenced his life.

Doud overcame the childhood stigma of being overweight to become a muchloved teacher whom President Reagan named the 1986 National Teacher of the Year. In “Molder of Dreams,” Doud credits his success and love of teaching to all the special “little people” who influenced him in many ways.

Each time I read Doud’s book, I cannot help but reflect on the many people in my early life who helped me and, in small ways, were influential in my becoming a teacher. I recall Mr. and Mrs. Krueger, owners of a grocery store in Dorchester, who “rigged” a contest in their store so I would win the much-coveted prize of a baseball and glove. The owners of Weix Drug Store were always so welcoming when I came to their store with a nickel to spend. When I was a bit older, they hired me to sell newspapers on their front steps when they were gone. Neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Werner, were always welcoming when I helped with farm chores, and Max Kronschnable gave me my first job as a pinsetter. My 8thgrade teacher and coach, Jim Eiden, taught me how to lose gracefully after our team was defeated by Athens 88-0 in three quarters. Most of all, Mr. Eugene Laurent persuaded me to enroll in Taylor County Teachers’ College. At the end of a school year in 1992, a parent presented me with a copy of “Molders of Dreams” with this inscription. “Mr. Anderson, Thank you for being Melisa’s “Molder of Dreams,” and thanks again for all your help and patience.”

I cherish my copy of “Molder of Dreams” to this day.

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