In loving memory of Rocky Belk

Posted by: Mary Smaragdis on: July 22, 2010

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Mr. Belk passed away last week. Memorial services are today back home.  But I’m in California this week and I can’t go to the services.

I’ll remember him here…

Mr. Belk was a P.E. teacher at my kids’ school. He taught all three of them and has been in my life for the better part of a decade.

He was an extraordinary man.

His accomplishments were so inspiring to me and the kids — and to everyone he touched. He began his career as a professional football player. And then he became a teacher — he taught for more than 30 years.

He never missed a day of school until he fell sick last spring.

Every day when we’d walk to school, Mr. Belk would be outside at the kiss-and-drop. He’d open car doors, and get the kids going for their day. Rain, snow, cold, heat… he was always outside. Never missed a day. So many kids started their days with a kind word from Mr. Belk.

My son had a special relationship with him.

Mr. Belk was a towering man of great strength. He set this incredible example around keeping your body fit and your mind strong. To see my son and Mr. Belk together just warmed my heart. Every morning when we’d walk into the school, my son would go over to the kiss-and-drop to catch Mr. Belk’s eye… he wanted to always say hello.

Every once in a while, Mr. Belk, would run over and give my son a pat on the head.

Mr. Belk was my son’s favorite teacher. He would tell my son: “you’re the strongest kid in first grade.” And my son would do push-ups at home at night…

He always kept it real. Mr. Belk always kept it real.

And he was so very kind.

He was a noble man and I’m so sad that he’s gone. It makes me profoundly sad that my son won’t have Mr. Belk greeting him when we go back to school in the fall. It makes me so sad that I won’t have him either.

May his memory be eternal.