By Sheryl Rowling
SAN DIEGO–The High Holy Days have passed, and like in previous years, the sense of reflection has remained. However, unlike previous years, one of the traditional verses haunts me:
On Rosh Hashanah it is inscribed,
And on Yom Kippur it is sealed.
How many shall pass away and how many shall be born,
Who shall live and who shall die.
You see, my glassblowing teacher Marty Marshall passed away unexpectedly a week ago – on Yom Kippur. When faced with death, one often thinks about the preciousness of life and the importance of treasuring each moment. In this case, it goes beyond that. Marty was an example of a life well lived.
My friend Gail and I began our glassblowing hobby with a teacher who never failed to remind us of the inherent dangers and of our inexperience. We always felt tense, even after several years of practice. Then we found Marty. While Marty was big on safety, he was encouraging and positive. We were transformed from nervous, insecure students to relaxed and confident glassblowers. Gail and I looked forward to our sessions with Marty, not only for the opportunity to be creative but also to enjoy our friendly and fun interactions.
Marty was a man who lived his life with integrity, joy and love. Forgoing a business career or other “high powered” job, Marty chose to follow his artistic passion on his own terms. He and his wife Jean lived a modest life that included their historical craftsman home and occasional vacations. Material accoutrements notwithstanding, Marty was truly rich. He was able to do what he loved with those he loved. A talented artist, devoted son, loving husband and friend to all, Marty was one of the happiest people I have ever met.
Glassblowing was Marty’s business, yet it felt more like his gift to us. We paid his hourly rate, but when we would run over and try to pay more, he’d refuse, saying “We were just yapping for that extra time.” He did little things, like store our glass so we didn’t have to schlep it back and forth – and he’d always have it out waiting for us. He freely shared his glass when we wanted a color other than our own. And, our pieces were always polished on the bottom when we came to pick them up. Marty was naturally a kind and considerate person. And he made us “girls” (as he called us) feel special.
I gained glassblowing knowledge from Marty. But more, I experienced a person who truly embraced the concept of “tikkun olam”, by making every part of the world he touched a little better.
I will miss him terribly. His memory will always be a blessing.
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Sheryl Rowling is a certified public accountant, personal finance specialist, and principal of Rowling & Associates. She may be contacted via sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com