For the Love of Pete

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“What we love, others will love and we will show them how.” – Wordsworth

No, I don’t mean that title as a mild oath. I mean it literally. We love talking with Pete Springer. He is such a connector in this WordPress community. And for every conversation we have with Pete, I walk away feeling uplifted, entertained, and inspired.

This holds for the latest podcast that Vicki Atkinson and I did with Pete: Episode 99: The Gift That Keeps Giving with Pete Springer. In this episode, the inspiration comes in remembrance of his great mentor and friend, Nancy Wheeler.

Nancy showed how to give the gift of herself, to quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. In her years as a teacher, principal, mentor and community member, she lived a life full of service and joy.

Pete tells us the stories that are so uplifting and exemplary. Of how Nancy empowered others, created relationships, took people under her wing, and knew how to bring out talent.

In each example, we get a glimpse of how to live with a big and open heart. Pete paints the picture of how one person can do so much!

I’m confident you’ll love the scenic and beautiful places we explore as we share the power of storytelling about how to give the gift of ourselves.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 99: The Gift that Keeps on Giving with Pete Springer

Episode 99 Transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this Episode:

Pete Springer – Passionate Teacher and Future Children’s Author

My Heroine – Pete Springer

They Call Me Mom – Pete’s beautiful book

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith;

(featured photo from Pexels)

66 thoughts on “For the Love of Pete”

    2. You’re spot on, David. I’ve told Vicki and Wynne that one of their strengths is how they create such a comfortable atmosphere with their guests. It’s a real gift to be able to put people at ease.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. You guys make a great team over at The Heart of the Matter, Brian. The posts are always uplifting and thought-provoking. What more can any reader want?

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You’re the perfect example of that, Ally. I only have to wade through about 150 comments to find mine when I go to your blog. 🤣 I hope you had a nice blogging break, and we’re back to seeing you around more again.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Ally beat me to the punch. I love this community and have made some fabulous connections. I’ll have to wait until I’m in a quiet place to watch the podcast 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Blogging continues to be my favorite social media platform to connect with people. Most people here are educated and enjoy conversing about diverse topics. I love the positivity and friends I’ve met here.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I could not agree more, Peter. I feel some of my connections have become solid friends, who reach out via email when they feel I’ve been gone too long, checking up on me. Better than my own kids!!
        And yes, the conversations we have in the comments sections are wonderful.

        Liked by 2 people

  5. I went to Pete’s site and read about Nancy and picked up the fabulous quote he mentioned: “The greatest gift is the gift of yourself.” Nancy sounds so fantastic; every future educator needs a mentor like her, and every school would be blessed to have people like her! I remember my 4th grade teacher so fondly; she inspired me in so many ways and gave me confidence to pursue things I only dreamed of. When I did my student teaching in the 1990’s, I was fortunate to have an extraordinary 2nd grade teacher and the most amazing kids I have ever known. The children were widely diverse but so kind and supportive of each other. Unfortunately, I lost contact with them after several moves and changes in career. But I have a large manilla envelope full of handcrafted cards they made for me way back then, and every so often, I love to just look at their little drawings and special words, and I send them all loving hugs and well wishes. 😊

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Great memories, Rose. I have the good fortune of still living in the community where I taught, so every trip to the grocery store and other places around town is an opportunity to run into a former student or one of their parents. Even though we’re all adults now, I can’t seem to get them to call me Pete instead of Mr. Springer.

      I also have a stack of pictures, cards, and letters that I’ve kept. When I had the occasional bad day, I’d go through them and remind myself of why I loved being a teacher.

      Heading over to your site right now to check it out. Nice to meet you, Rose.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve certainly heard the saying, but it doesn’t seem to be quite as common these days. I have a good buddy who shares the same name. He introduces us as Pete and repeat.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Isn’t that odd? I used to tease my friend Nancy and tell her that her picture should be in the dictionary under “teacher.”

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Well, I got my cup of afternoon coffee and settled in to listen to Pete talk about his mentor Nancy. Someday, Vicki and Wynne, you in turn, will interview someone who speaks of Pete as their mentor. Truly! He and Nancy both carry that deep “service heart.” (I like that term Vicki.) It’s no wonder they clicked. It’s a special gift. I LOVE the story of settting up an Easter Egg hunt for the baskerball players and that they are “well, competitive” and really got into it, hahahaha. That’s great. Thanks so much for an inspiring listen. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think it is the child in us that can appreciate when young adults still act like kids. I probably have shared this before, but I used to love participating in PE with my class at the end of the day. Nothing quite like showing up at an IEP right after school with sweat dripping from your forehead.

      Liked by 2 people

  10. Inspiring from the start! I was blessed with an incredible mentor teacher. Those first classroom experiences can certainly shape (or break) a career. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏻

    Liked by 2 people

  11. I’m not sure if it’s the same way today, but when I became a student teacher, we had no say over who our master teacher would be. I was blessed to have two of the best teachers I ever saw during my career. Having excellent role models made all the difference.

    Are you still teaching, Michele? What level?

    Liked by 2 people

  14. I loved reading about Nancy on Pete’s post and hearing him talk about her here, is no exception. Please pass the peanuts and a big toast to both of you for hosting him! He is a mentor to so many lucky students and mentors alike! I love that she invited him into a writing group and grateful we get to have the privilege of his many gifts. The shared gifts of teachers are a lifetime of love that keeps on giving and is such a treasure🌹

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I wish everyone took the time to try and reach out to a former teacher. From an educator’s perspective, there is no greater reward than hearing from a former student who is expressing their appreciation while giving an update about what career path they chose. Thanks for recognizing all of the excellent educators who inspire children each day.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Too many times we fail to thank our role models before it’s too late. We should alwqays make the time to show our gratitude for the special people in our lives.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Children learn from us all the time, especially how we handle ourselves when things aren’t going well. Nancy was just one of those people who remained unfazed.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. This was a wonderful conversation, Wynne. Pete and Nancy exemplify why teachers and principals are so important in making this world a better place by molding and guiding our children, including the “troublesome” ones, and the stories about Nancy also leading and guiding her staff are inspiring.

    A great way to warm our hearts on this very cold week in Canada! Enjoy your week ahead!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. So glad you mentioned principals, Ab. They are a critical part of the school/home connection. A great principal makes everyone around them better and can inspire the staff and the children.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. What a wonderful interview with our friend Pete! He would be so interesting to spend time with. I love his stories and attitude. The children he taught over the years were very fortunate as are the seniors he reads to now. His admiration for Nancy is evident and the lessons he learned from her will stick with him forever. Well done for featuring Pete.

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    2. Hey, Darlene. It would be great to meet you in person sometime too. Never say never. My wife are planning to go to Eurrope in a year and a half for our 40th anniversary. I would love to pick your brain a little more about writing and listen to some of your stories about your time as an educator.

      Liked by 1 person

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