I’ve dealt with some rather heavy matters lately here at “Inside Out”. This piece is from our Sarasota Herald-Tribune today, December 5, 2000.

Steve is our 17 year old grandson. His father, Tim, is married to Debbie. Steve has a younger brother, Ben (15), and a younger sister, Rachael (13). They are raising a bunch of rabbits and a great dog named Kytti (pronounced “kitty”).

BTW, Steve is leaving for Haiti on another mission trip on December 15th. He saved most of the money for this trip working as a bus boy and line cook at a local restaurant. Other funds came in from interested friends and family.

Steve can be reached by e-mail at papaspipeline@gmail.com

IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN – Steve Meyer
Music on his mind – by Brooksie Bergen

Steve Meyer, an aspiring young musician, realized his dream when he was chosen to play clarinet in the Youth Symphony’s second highest group. After excelling in auditions that led him to the top, the 17-year-old will showcase his talents at the Young Artist’s Composition next year at the Florida West Coast Symphony Youth Program. As a result of that audition, Meyer hopes to be selected to play at the Van Wezel’s final concert with the Youth Philharmonic.

Meyer, who is home schooled, began his musical career by playing the recorder, which is a type of plastic flute. He became so proficient that he was asked to be part of the music program at the school.

“That’s when I got the desire to play something more difficult,” Meyer explained. “I always liked the sound of the clarinet… and I was 12 years old when I asked my teacher, Eveline Bland, to give me lessons on that instrument. I fell in love with the clarinet and decided to practice every day.”

In ninth grade, Meyer furthered his musical career by gaining a position as clarinetist with the youth symphony. He won the honor by auditioning along with hopefuls from the three-county area. Judges from the Florida West Coast symphony evaluated the contestants and gave points for excellence in rendering their instruments. Again, Meyer emerged as one of the winners.

~e talented young man, who says he is grateful for his “God-given gift,” moved from Assistant Second Chair in the Youth Symphony to second year principal, first in symphonic winds. This year Meyer became principal first in the youth symphony.

“I’m thankful that I have been blessed with talent,” said the spiritual young man who attributes his musical skills to lessons with Eveline Bland and later, with Mario Estrado, who is principal second in the Florida West Coast Symphony.

“And,” he added, “I couldn’t have done it without the support and guidance of my parents.

RESPONSES TO: “I Stuck My Big Nose In Someone’s Business…” 

– The only thing I can tell you is, I would have done the same thing. Sometimes you get to thinking, “When am I going to learn!!?” But it is my nature and the way I was raised to be this kind of person. It may be that we may never know anything about it, but someday or someway that person will remember the incident and it will help them. So I will continue to be the way God has made me and do things that “always look like I am sticking my nose in some one else’s business”!!!!

– On your “sticking your nose in someone’s business” you said that your intent was innocent. Was it? We may think we have pure motives when God says, “No they weren’t”.

I can’t quote the verse, but there is something about how God deals with His own and we can get punished, but the sinners don’t. God will let you get the ticket and the sinner won’t get one. It also might have scared the man for you to follow him. All I can ask you to do is ask God what was in your heart at that time? Maybe God didn’t want you to confront the man in the car, but just pray for him?

I’m only asking questions, not trying to attach in any way!!!!!! I also ask God why people get away with things, when I always get caught!!!!!!!

– I pray for you. You have great courage. My fear for you is “road rage” and how drivers react to it. This man could have had a gun or a knife and you could have been harmed. People kill for no reason. Please follow God’s lead, that is what we pray for, and may all your encounters be safe. I would not have had your courage.

– I would have to say that you did the right thing. All we can do is try to help someone. If they don’t want our help and start screaming and cursing at us, then fine, then we must back off. The point is you tried!!! You did the right thing, but in this day we must also be careful not to get our teeth knocked out. I wouldn’t want to hear of you becoming a terrible victim of “road rage”. That unfortunately happens all too often.

(These are just a few of the many responses. The input ranged from congratulatory to “what a stupid thing to do”.

If you have a good story to share about someone of whom you’re proud, let me know. I thoroughly enjoy hearing from y’all. Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below!)

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