Usually, by this time of year, the gray house in the middle of this quiet Germantown street has been transformed into the twinkling embodiment of Christmastime.
“He’s just been getting weaker and weaker fighting this thing,” said Paula Sweeney-Rothfuss, 68, a longtime friend and former student from the now-closed Robert E. Peary High School in Rockville, where Gibbs taught English literature and drama for more than 20 years.After a late October phone call, in which Gibbs was reflecting on his legacy and impact as an educator, Sweeney-Rothfuss said, she knew what she could do to make it feel like Christmas after all.
As the bus pulled up to the house, a large black-and-white photo of Gibbs, half a century younger and holding a rose between his teeth, greeted them.His impact, they added, was immeasurable. Gibbs taught them how to understand and appreciate the arts. Several went on to cultivate careers in theater and film.
As the crowd began to sing carols — “Joy to the World” then “Jingle Bells,” accompanied by the chime of actual bells — a small face appeared in the second-story window.He raised a hand and waved, a broad smile overtaking his lined face. Atop his head sat a Santa hat,A line of 11 former students organized themselves along the road, holding up handwritten notes on poster board for Gibbs to read.
The spirited display drew an even larger crowd as the afternoon continued. Neighbors poured out of houses and into the street. The postal worker slowed his truck to take in the scene.
God Bless - Mr. ChRiStMaS!🎄
Keep fighting Mr. Gibbs! You are a true cancer warrior and an inspiration!!!
“He’s just been getting weaker and weaker fighting this thing,” said Paula Sweeney-Rothfuss, a friend and former student from the now-closed Robert E. Peary High School in Rockville, where Gibbs taught English literature and drama for more than 20 years.
🥺💙
How beautiful. Very moving.
Barry Gibbs?