A Biography of Dr. John M. Googin - Y-12 National Security ...

FYI
There is another world
Different from the one we know at home.
Where your thoughts don’t count to anyone
And you’re basically all alone.
It can be so cold and lonely
As frightening as can be!
Without someone who cares,
And who will listen frequently.
I found that special someone
For whom I’d searched diligently.
He was always in demand by others,
But somehow had time for me.
He was wise and knowing
His reputation spread far and wide.
But to me was just Dr. Googin
My friend and constant guide.
The World Within
FYI 28
I looked on him as a father
Which in the world of work is not done.
He encouraged me to be myself
And not pretend with anyone.
Stand up for right, don’t compromise
He would persistently advise.
Be kind and gentle also,
Try to see through others eyes.
I will always take that advice
And try to do my part
To pass it on to others
To be hidden in their hearts.
It will be safe there
Protected, nurtured and warm.
And in some way Dr. Googin will be with us
To see us through every storm.
Sylvia Sterling
I Remember Dr. G
I always made it a point to stop to see Dr. Googin to spend time recalling some of the boyish antics of my eight-yearold
son, Leslie, or to deliver a message from Leslie to Dr. Googin. I will never forget attending one of the Weapons Planning
& Budget Group holiday dinners offsite at which Buck Lambdin was the featured speaker.
As Buck began his speech in his usual animated manner, Dr. Googin leaned over and asked a then three-year-old
Leslie if anyone had ever taught him to “play the spoons.” Of course no first-line caregiver is going to encourage the type
of behavior that “spoon playing” instills in a child, so Leslie had no exposure.
Without hesitation (and just when Buck was gearing up), Dr. G. gave my baby two spoons and he took two spoons.
Straight faced, Dr. G. began tapping out a rhythm on the tabletop. It took only a second for his young student to follow
suit, and just a second more until Buck’s speech was just about ruined. Buck talked louder, the tapping of the four
spoons got louder. I tried taking the spoons from the younger of the two boys, but the elder would not hear of it.