Guess I should have emailed for the address- went to the 19th and Arapahoe location pinned on the website, but didn't want to interrupt the gathering when I figured out that I'd have to call to get the correct address. In a way, it's appropos: just the kind of boneheaded, absent-minded professor thing that Maddy used to bust my chops about.
A few days ago, I dug up the letter of recommendation I wrote on Maddy's behalf back in late 2012 - amazing how closely it lines up with what others here have said about him, whether they knew him before or after my all too brief time with him as his US and world history teacher. I'll post a picture of the letter below, as it still encapsulates how I felt back then about one of my all-time favorite students.
Miss you, Maddy.
Dear Mr. Peoples (I also have to call you this because even though I'm 30, it would feel sacrilege not to),
Thank you so much for your words and for uploading this recommendation. It's so cool that you have it still. And it's truly so lovely to hear he was one of your all-time favorites. It's totally fitting with who he was, and I wish I could have seen you two in class together! What my dad said about Maddy in the recent years is of course totally accurate- he had an unbelievable and entirely admirable ability to consume, retain and critically think about and discuss an ungodly amount of information. He and I were so close, and bonded a lot over historical and political podcasts. In the last year specifically, we were feverishly educating ourselves about the roots and current manifestations of modern day Fascism. You'd be very proud (especially of me- sometimes I could even keep up!).
That was a very funny note about missing the gathering. I'm sure your right about what Maddy's reaction would have been, as well. I was bummed I missed you and also that you didn't get a chance to hear a little bit about our relationship. Thus, I'm gonna put a little link here (https://www.welovemaddy.com/forum/welcome-to-the-forum/my-tribute-from-the-gathering). I would love if you got a chance to read it at some point.
Thank you again. If you ever want to share any additional stories, thoughts etc, I (and I know many other people) would absolutely love to hear them all. And they will be cherished forever.
Sending my best from Berlin,
Hanna
We're so sorry we missed you, Mr.Peoples! And, yes, that's how we remember you because that what all our kids called you :-)
You'll be proud and happy to know that the spark for history and politics that you sparked in him thrived through college and really found a permanent home in his consciousness. He talked many times about understanding the world, history, and politics better so that he could offer both sound critiques and defensible strategies. He was constantly reading multiple books after he graduated from college and the non-fiction (history, economics, politics, and philosophy) out-numbers the fiction. I often would challenge his ideas and increasingly found he could cite primary sources, alternative viewpoints, and content with ease. I have no doubt he would have loved debating ideas with you and yes, he probably would have called you out for missing the address information - with love and humor.
Thank you for sharing the letter and your reflections.
With love,
Oliver (Maddy's Dad)