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In education, there are teachers whose stories resonate not just within their classrooms but across their community. Harold Esbenshade, resident of Welsh Mountain Home, is one of those people. Throughout his career, Harold was an educator whose teaching reflected a dedication to his students and a commitment to spreading compassion.
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arold became an educator in 1965. “It was so hard to find a job back then,” he reflects. “You would apply for a position and there would be hundreds of candidates. Even though my degree wasn’t in
elementary education, I applied to work at a new elementary school teaching 6th grade children, with the stipulation that I would take classes to eventually receive my elementary education certificate.”
His early days in the classroom were marked by an enthusiasm for teaching and forming a connection with his students. He didn’t just teach; he became deeply involved in their lives, engaging in games of basketball and dodgeball, and fostering a nurturing environment where learning thrived. Over the years, Harold’s dedication to his students remained unwavering as he transitioned between grade levels, leaving an indelible mark on generations of learners.
After 33 years, Harold retired from teaching. He had many wonderful years with his wife, until she sadly passed away in 2019. For the next five years, Harold stayed in his home with his wife’s three cherished and deeply beloved black toy poodles. He then realized he could no longer take care of himself or little Annie, the one remaining poodle. He decided to look for a personal care home for himself, and find a good new home for Annie. “When you can no longer do something alone anymore, and it is too much for you, it is time to move on,” Harold said.
In January 2024, Harold moved to Welsh Mountain Home after a recommendation from his cousin. He remembered that he had passed by countless times since the 1940s, but never ventured inside.
Harold’s understanding of the value of human connection, gained from his many years teaching, made him eager to forge new relationships with fellow residents at Welsh Mountain Home.
“I always see Harold talking to someone new,” says Sarah Albertson, Director of Resident Services at Welsh Mountain Home. “I’ll look outside and he’s at the fish pond, chatting with someone he’s never even met. He finds connections with everyone. Even if they don’t speak much to him, he engages with them.”
“I’ve always seen the good in people, even when I taught,” Harold explains. “If you do that, you will enjoy life. God is love, and you’ve got to spread the love around, and be kind to everyone. As Mark Twain says, ‘I’ve never met a man I didn’t like.’” This is Harold’s lifelong motto.
In Harold’s journey from the classroom to Welsh Mountain Home, his commitment to teaching and forming relationships endures—a testament to the lasting influence of a life devoted to compassion and community.
Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2024 • 9
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