A Craftsman

On Monday,  J. Michael Hayfield set his tools down.  He swept up the dust and chips that the collection system missed.   He smiled knowing he had completed his work with the art and science of a master craftsman.  J. Michael reached up and turned off the shop light for the last time.  

Long before formal mentoring programs were established a mentor was earned.  A young person worked and earned the trust and loyalty of someone who was willing to teach them the ways of a master craftsman.  J. Michael Hayfield, assistant superintendent, decided I was worthy of being mentored.

J. Michael and I share a lot in common.  We are working class kids who had to fight and prove ourselves along life’s path.  We both married woman who hated us when we first met and told us to date them we would need to change.  He saw in me the fire for wanting to get ahead and make a difference.

J. Michael provided me with opportunities to learn the capacity for leading.  He showed me the art and science of leadership.  J. Michael’s most important lesson was to stand with character, do what is right, and earn the trust and respect of others.  You never had to guess where J. Michael stood.

I owe J. Michael a debt that I can never repay.  He knows that I pass his legacy on to the young administrators that I choose to mentor.  Other working class kids like us who just need to know the ropes to earn their shot at leadership. 

My eyes tear up as I think about how his mentorship allows me to provide for my family in ways I never could have imagined.  His teaching allows me to make a difference in the lives of others.  His character is with me when I am challenged.

J. Michael died of a heart attack six months after his wife passed away.  Somewhere out there, J. Michael is walking with the love of his life.  Somewhere out there, a craftsman is looking over our shoulders as we carry out his legacy.

I will be turning on my shop light in a few minutes.  I will welcome another wood worker to my shop.  As I pick up my tools, I see my Uncle Bill, Carl, Charlie, and Jim.  I hear the laughter of cousin Tom.  I see crooked smile of my wife’s grandfather.   Today,  I will hear J. Michael saying do it right or don’t do it at all.  Craftsmen don’t die.  They live in the work of those they mentor.

J. Michael Hayfield did it right.