1969

1969

In the Dartmouth fellowship there is no parting, and in this piece we give a rouse for Peter Schaeffer, who is our beacon of resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit. Pete may have more Dartmouth admirers and friends than any among the rest of us. His journey today, piloted daily from his keyboard on Long Island, is a tale of grace spanning four decades in a battle against multiple sclerosis.

For years Peter has inspired us. Despite the burden of MS, he remains a pillar of good humor and wisdom, lifting our hearts and minds wherever he goes. And he treasures our reunions.

For most of us, such limitation would be overwhelming, but Peter’s determination is a force. With only a single functioning hand guiding his massive chair and the aid of computer voice recognition, he defies physical challenges, connecting with the world.

Approaching the 55th, Peter keeps wheeling ahead, engaging daily on the long, strange trip it’s been. His passion for Stoicism, showcased in that memorable session on aging during the 50th, reflects sacred knowledge and undying commitment to others. On his wrist he has a tattoo: “It is what it is. Let it be.”

Go find Peter’s must-read essay, “An Unplanned Life,” found on page 958 of The Book.

This George Bernard Shaw piece describes Schaeffer: “This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

Here’s Peter’s recent note to the class: “The pandemic was God’s gift to me because it shut everybody in and provided them an opportunity to get to know me on my turf! While it is terrific that 170-plus classmates have participated online since our fabulous 50th, that means that almost 500 classmates don’t know what they’re missing. Our Zoom events never fail to engage and invariably I come away smarter and humbler. Arthur’s Casual Conversations are world class! They provide a great opportunity to interact not only with professors, authors, scientists, artists, et al., but also and even more important to spend time with fellow classmates in stimulating conversation. I’m Episcopalian, but our online Jewish culture group is especially thought -provoking and timely. Our online ‘Baker Bunch’ 12-step meetings are absolutely indispensable to me. Zoom is a fantastic vehicle for classmates to meet, often for the first time, to learn, to socialize, to support one another, and to continue our wonderful Dartmouth education.”

Hey, Pea-Greener! Get to know some of us you never crossed paths with at Dartmouth. We promise that you will not be disappointed. See you in June, on Zoom, or up in the room!

—John “Tex” Talmadge, 3519 Brookline Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234; (214) 673-9250; johntalmadgemd@gmail.com