15 Feb As a Student, A Reflection on the Influence of Mr. Rubottom as My Teacher 

I stand in the lights of great company today to celebrate and fellowship with the lives that Mr. Rubottom touched. Mr. Rubottom stood for so much in so many ways, and today we stand to celebrate and honor him.

Like a ripple that spreads with influence, Mr. Rubottom lived and inspired the lives he touched.

Like a book, he taught knowledge, and like a light, he shined his way into darkness.

Mr. Rubottom lived life as a lighthouse, and he always let his light shine in such a way that others could find their way home. He was a brilliant and wonderful soul, and he was sincerely kindhearted in every way.

Ready to quit, after years of trying, I expressed my desire to leave and give up on school in high school, and he and my mom expressed their desires that I should finish. God strategically placed Mr. Rubottom on the shores of my life, and as an educator and teacher, the warmth of his light guided me throughout a time when I wanted to quit.

I had done all I could to stand as it pertained to my education and learning disability, and I could no longer try because no matter how much I did, it seemed as though I was failing, and I no longer wanted to search for the reasons why.

I stand here before you today because Mr. Rubottom stood when I wanted to give up, and I stand here in the lights of your great company, Beloveds, to honor and celebrate him. He boldly allowed his light to shine within our world, and as he did, he left a lasting impression on his friends and family. Mr. Rubottom was someone who inspired, and he made a difference in this world. I know this because it already feels so much different without him here. He lived life as a lighthouse, and his light was the light that guided ships to shore.

May the beauty of his life and legacy continue to live on within us, and may all that he stood for continue to help us stand when it becomes hard, too.

I felt far away from the shore, and like a ship, I was on the verge of sinking. God strategically placed and led Mr. Rubottom to my life, and like a lighthouse with purpose, he used his light to guide and help me not to quit.

May Mr. Rubottom’s light continue to inspire us as we carry it now within our hearts, Beloveds, and may the beauty of his life well-lived continue to empower us through hope and inspiration.