Family made. Quality foods. The Life and Times of Uncle Ray. Chapter 24. RIP Van Winkle Have you ever done something wrong and wished you could undo that wrong? I attended Boynton School in Detroit, Michigan. In the seventh grade I had been chosen to play the part of Rip Van Winkle in our school play. My teacher thought I had a strong voice and that I would be perfect for the part. After many weeks of rehearsals with my classmates the day had finally come. There was one problem; I was suffering from an acute case of stage fright. The day of the play I never made it to school. When I returned to school neither my teacher nor my classmates ever said a word to me about how I had disappointed them. Over the years I have often wished I could go back in time and show up at school that day. It would have given me a chance to try to do my best in spite of my fears. Should my classmates read this, I would like to tell them how sorry I am for disappointing them. I have learned in business, as well as in my personal life, that it's not failing that matters, but the fact that you tried and that you care.