| Dutch Remembers Mel Masonheimer |
| Sometimes in the life of a person a very special event happens.
You talk about it most all your life after that as if you are reliving it, just as though
it was the day before yesterday. I really cherish those types of memories, because not too many of them have happened to me. But praise the Lord for all His goodness, this man walked into my life just at the right time, for reasons only the good Lord Himself has figured out. I certainly didn't deserve to be part of this man's life, but fortunately I am and always have been. Because I carry him in the deepest part of my heart. This man's name was Mel Masonheimer and he was my coach during my high school years at Elkton High School in Elkton, Maryland. I know most of you have never heard of Coach Mel, but there are literally hundreds - if not thousands - of adults out here that owe a great deal to this West Catasaugua, Pennsylvania native. He had all kinds of those very fancy accredited degrees from Penn State University and East Strousburg University. You know, the kind that will get you noticed in the academic circles. But here's the rub: this little giant never flaunted them at anyone, or for that fact, ever talked about them in public. His mission in life was to make young people better and to teach them what real INTEGRITY was. He was my mentor while I was at Elkton High. He made an all-stater out of me in basketball, football and track. He saw in me the potential I had never even given a second thought to. Coach Mel used to tell me, "Frank, you have to work hard, there is no easy way" and "and by the way son, on your way to the top, make sure you get there the honest way and don't make a big show of it, let others blow your horn for you." Bless his heart, that has been my motto all these years. I wish I could have been back there for his lovely, sweet wife, Becky. But I just found out his passing this week that Coach had passed to his rest. I guess the reason I'm telling you fans this story is that I don't want this fine old gentleman to pass unnoticed. Do you have a Coach Mel Masonheimer in your life? For pities sake, call them and wish them well. And thank them for helping make you what you are today. The world was not worthy of Mel Masonheimer, we are a much poorer planet because we lost him. All of you graduates from Elkton over the years please remember him, he was truly a fine kind gentleman and my heart goes out to his family. For all of you floks in the University of Delaware area,, who remember Coach Mel, "THINK SNOW". I pray the Lord God will have a special crown for Coach Mel when He makes up His jewels and comes back to this planet to recieve His own. Thanks, Coach, for helping me be a better human being. The only thing we can take off this planet is our "character". You were among the immortals, in this old man's mind. God's peace from one of "Masonheimers boys", Dutch |