IN THIS ISSUE
Messages from SENG Leaders:
- Executive Director Michael Postma
- SENG Europe Executive Director Femke Hovinga
- President of the Board of Directors Evelyn Metcalf
A Special Video
A Man of Meaning
by Marianne Kuzujanakis
Reads
- 100 Words of Wisdom
- Practice Opportunities with Gifted Children and their Families
- An Interview with James Webb, Ph.D.
- Grandparents and Gifted Children
Honoring Jim's Memory
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Message from SENG Executive Director
Dr. Michael Postma
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I have known Jim for some time, but I was privileged to spend quite a lot of time with him over the last couple of years as a member of SENG's Board of Directors and then as the Executive Director. Jim was always so generous of his time and advice, willing to spend hours on the phone, talking about the history, mission, and vision of SENG from its onset to its present form. I learned so much from those conversations that, in a sense, kept everything in perspective for me, regardless of the type of day I was experiencing. He was a guide, a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration and encouragement. I miss him dearly. This past SENG conference, our communications team set out to interview attendees on what SENG has meant to them over the years. Jim was one of the first to volunteer. We can now treasure those thoughts as we endeavor to hold on to his legacy in the field of giftedness.
I know personally what Jim meant to our family. My wife, Julie, and I have had our struggles raising three twice-exceptional children and Jim's words and work have left a lasting impression. I know that he was that anchor to many of you as well. We will all miss you, Jim! I know that those of us at SENG will strive to continue that legacy as best we can.
Our deepest condolences to Janet, their children, grandchildren, and the rest of the Webb family.
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Message from SENG Europe Executive Director Femke Hovinga
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When I first met Dr. James T. Webb, I felt starstruck, as though I was a Backstreet Boys loving teenager all over again. He just stood there casually, at the Great Potential Press booth, chatting to people and handing out autographs. Some of the first books I read about giftedness were his; I admired his knowledge and wisdom. Before long, we were talking. It turned out to be the start of a special connection that, unfortunately, was way too short.
With Jim, as Dr. Webb went through life, I laughed, danced, joked, flew on his plane and, of course, talked about his vision on giftedness and the importance of emotional needs. In his book,
Searching for Meaning
, Jim talked about the rippling effect: when an object hits the water and circles form around it, extending further and further. Jim sure threw a big stone in the gifted pond. His desire to create a safe space for families and children in the gifted world was never-ending. People often talk about how SENG conferences feel like coming home - finally somewhere where they are really understood. I credit a lot of that to Jim. He was an ordinary human being, and had his flaws and challenges like all of us. But he also showed us how it’s possible, through love, to live an extraordinary life of realized potential. He jokingly always named me his Dutch daughter.
Needless to say it was a shock and such a big loss when he unexpectedly left us while on a family holiday in Mexico. When I recently had the honor to start SENG Europe, Jim was very proud to see me and fellow Europeans carry on his legacy and life's work. I’m so glad he got to witness that! Thank you Jim, for living your life the way you did and for always seeing the best in people, for being the explorer, the supporter, the connector, and the role model. I will miss you dearly, but will make sure to continue, on your behalf, the ripples you started.
For now: a big Jim-hug!
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Message from SENG Board President
Evelyn Metcalf
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I met James Webb at a SENG Conference. Of course. 23 years ago. I followed him around the banquet hall, as he distributed leaflets. I offered to help. I don’t recall the questions I asked while we worked. He was quick on his feet, so I had to keep up! If close my eyes I can instantly recall that immediate sense of kinship I felt with these "SENGians," these "aliens" from MY planet! If life were a tapestry and SENG a thread, I could trace my entire career back to that conference. Minus that thread, who knows? I certainly know that with it, life has been all the richer since.
Jim’s existence and time on Earth is a thread too, woven into so many wondrous tapestries. From the beginning, Jim wove the values of life he held dear into his teaching, his counseling, and advocacy. He valued the beauty of hues, designs, and textures that we all represent, the imprints we bear of our relationships.
One of the best tributes I can think of, is to just go weave some more.
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A Special Video
SENG was honored by Jim's presence at our annual conference in San Diego just two weeks ago. True to form, Jim commanded the attention of every room he entered. SENG Director of Development Jessica Mansmith was able to capture video of Jim, some of which we are pleased to share now, in a brief tribute.
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More videos of Jim discussing the origins of SENG and his life's work can be found at our YouTube channel.
CLICK HERE
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Getting a lot of attention in the media is
a quiet movie
celebrating the life and influence of Mr. Fred Rogers. A man of kindness and wisdom. A force for good.
I feel very privileged to have had if only for far too short of a time my own force for good in someone many of you may not have even heard of. Perhaps this was someone who many of you would have been very grateful to have known.
Dr. James T. Webb unexpectedly passed away last week at the young age of 78.
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100 Words of Wisdom
by Dr. James T. Webb
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When intensity and sensitivity are combined with idealism, as so often happens with bright children and adults, good things can happen because they can keenly see how things might be. But this can also lead to frustration, disillusionment, and unhappiness.
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Practice Opportunities with Gifted Children and their Families
by Dr. James T. Webb
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Bright individuals, particularly those having atypical conditions, may be misunderstood and could be misdiagnosed as they develop their talents,including such well-known historical figures as Leonardo Da Vinci, Mozart and Winston Churchill.
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An interview with James Webb, Ph.D. Grandparents and Gifted Children
by
Mike Shaughnessy
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2.) Why are grandparents important?
When I became a grandparent, I quickly came to appreciate that the role is different than parenting, but yet is one that can be quite important and influential.
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Donations may also be made by checks, made out to "SENG" and mailed to the P.O. Box below. Thank you for your tributes.
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