"Hey Mr. Cabiness...Thank you!"

It was 1997...I had been married for about a year and I was sending out applications to schools...looking for a job. I had had 2 interviews when I headed down to a town called Bremen. It was a small town...HEY...the sign as you go into town says..."Bremen...a good town."

I still remember that day like it was yesterday...I remember the 3 people that interviewed me. I even remember some of the questions!!

When I left that interview I thought..."I'm never going to get that job..." One of the teachers asking questions just didn't seem to like me...frankly...I knew I wasn't getting the job.

I was surprised when I received a call at a factory where I was working at the time...some man named Mr. Cabiness was on the other end...he was the principal and wanted to meet with me. I was excited and SCARED TO DEATH! He asked me to bring in a couple of songs to play and be ready for some questions.

I just got chills remembering that interview...Mr. Cabiness was a passionate man...he LOVED kids and demanded your best...he offered me a job that day...one of the best decisions of my life was when I said yes!! He gave me my first "real world" job!!

Cabiness was great to work for...you knew what he expected of you...he supported the arts and all of his teachers. Frankly, if a teacher had trouble with him...well...I just don't think he was one to blame!! I enjoyed going through the office and hearing him talking with students...he was tough, but then he would flash that contagious smile...that smile made everyone feel at home.

He was a strong leader...I mean come on...the man had to lead a K-8 building and in the K-4 there were 3 or 4 male teachers!! :) He also listened to his people...after my first interview, I was right...one of the teachers didn't want me. But one lady (THANK YOU MRS. WALTER!!!!!!!) went to Mr. C and said..."you need to interview this guy...just interview him." I thankful that he listened to his people!!

In a profession where MANY drop out in their first years of teaching...many simply get disenchanted with everything that you have to deal with...Mr. Cabiness gave me a foundation to build on...he breathed confidence into me and allowed me to flourish.

After he retired...Mr. Cabiness couldn't quit...he came up here to South Bend and served as a "sub" principal in a number of schools...I was blessed to see him again last year when he "subbed" at our building...it was good to be able to thank him in person for his impact on my life.

Mr. Cabiness passed away and his viewing was last night and funeral was today. When I went last night there were 100+ people ahead of me in line and at least another 100 as I was leaving...he left a lasting legacy...I will never forget his impact on my life and am a stronger person for knowing him.