V.U.

Today was an anniversary of sorts for me. I can't really call it an anniversary because those are happy occasions to celebrate. Today was one year since my dear friend and colleague Ginny passed away. Her husband Doug brought in a dozen red roses to place in the faculty lounge as well as a large basket of Snickers, her favorite candy bar.

Ginny loved life and embraced it fully as only one can who can suffered their share of life threatening illnesses. She battled cancer four times in the last 25 years of her life. The last time she lost the fight.

I posted about her several times before but want to repeat myself. Ginny was one of the kindest people I know. She knew how to bring out the best in anyone. She loved her family, her friends, her students and any living thing. One year in June at the end of school I threw a half dead plant away rather than take it home for the summer. She picked it out saying it was still alive. A few months later in September when I arrived for the first day of school, there on my desk was the plant, rejuvenated and healthy.

Ginny was a music teacher before changing to first grade. She decided that she needed to reach more children as a classroom teacher. Her second year of teaching first grade she got my oldest son as a student. I was her room parent and became her friend. Four years later she had my youngest son as a pupil. Again I was her room parent. She recognized that being in the classroom with students was what I was cut out for. She saw the difference I could make and how happy it made me. I left my corporate job and nine years ago I started the job I love.

I think of Ginny almost everyday. I hope she knows just how many people she touched in her lifetime. I made sure I told her before she left us. Ginny wouldn't want to see any of her family and friends upset on this day but smile as we remember her.

I'm trying Gin.

When you are sorrowful

look again in your heart

and you shall see that

in truth you are weeping for

that which has been your delight

Kahlil Gibran