So, what's new Sista?

Well, here we are in September just trying to keep our head above water.  You remember those days I'm sure, it's that time of year when you feel like you have something every single night of the week and then your weekends are slammed too! This is the time of year that I feel like I never get down to Columbia to see my family.  It will happen again from January to March but I'm thankful for my time during holidays and summers to get some good quality time.  I think of you every single day and pretty much all times of the day.  I've mentioned before that it's weird times that you just pop right into my head.  Riding home from teaching my Winthrop classes at night was always a time for a phone call (I go to make that call VERY often), of course Carolina Football, looking into the eyes of a precious child at school, talking about a new project at school, when people make a BIG deal over the LITTLE things (you really had no use for drama and I loved you that much more for it), thinking about trips I want to take and how you would have so much fun with us...

First time in what 8 years that Anna or Addie isn't cheering on Friday night but I know you would've been there anyway to support Jacob and the Eagles.  So, what IS new?  For starters, Jacob is busy with football, I hope to catch up with him soon.  I believe Anna is settling in as a 3rd grade teacher extremely well.  She's such a natural and there are 25 lucky students in her classroom.  Addie is balancing classes, work, sorority and her busy social life.  They both have what it takes to make it but I know you aren't surprised in the least.  Sally shared with me yesterday that she got emotional while making her coffee for work (see I told you it hits at weird times in the day) and thought that even though you were gone in too short a time by our standards, you did a better job preparing us than anyone.  She said you taught us so much and modeled how to live life.  Sal's right and I know she like the rest of us sure would like to still be learning those lessons.

Oh, and something else new-"All Set...You Bet" that you used with your students has really caught on at India Hook.  I wear the wristbands 24/7 and have shared them with others (donations for Cindy's Place of course) and our faculty even voted to use it to start our meetings so everyone knows when it's time to start.  I love it because I think of you every time!

I knew football season would be tough but it's a little tougher than I was prepared for but I will say it makes me pull even that much harder for our Gamecocks (if that's possible!)  Hope to make it to a game soon-

I'll be back with you soon - on the blog that is, because I know you are with me every second of every day!

As always-love ya Sista!! And Cock-a-doodle-do!

Any advice as to how life goes on??

That title sounds like I'm having trouble living, so let me clarify. No trouble living on this end,  happy to be here and I truly do enjoy life.  It's just that you were that go to person for advice, you didn't make it difficult or deep, just put it on the line.  My friend Sylvia Echols posted a statement the other day that makes me think of you..."what you say to children will become their inner voice."   I know you are my inner voice and I believe that's true for many others.  Everyday at school I hear myself talking to children and I truly hear your voice. You were always so interested in the child, it was never just about your field, it was the whole child (even before that was the buzz word.) So many people are out there are working diligently to raise money for "Cindy's Place."  I was able to attend the unveiling of the plan for Cindy's Place and it looks great.  I listened to 3 students that wrote persuasive letters to the mayor last year as 4th graders (which was their way of practicing for the PASS test.)  As 5th graders and leaders at Springdale, they read their own words from April of last year.  They spoke of their PE teacher, Mrs. Wilkerson, and how she wanted them to have a wonderful place to play and grow and exercise during school but also bring their families to join them after school hours.  You were their inner voice, I could hear your words as they spoke.  You would be so proud of Springdale Elementary and the community.  The diligence to make it a better place for ALL is being shown by so many people, and they are really stepping up.

Today, Addie is at a Carolina football game for the first time as an official Gamecock.  Anna and Jacob are cheering from your seats as loud as they can (I'm sure not as loud as you did but I have a feeling that Anna just might be able to give you a run for your money.)  Garnet and black runs awfully deep Sista.

So life does go on, we will just try to continue to listen to you (our inner voice) and live life to the fullest, treat others with respect, have fun, love children and all they bring with them, be spontaneous, oh and of course pull for the Carolina Gamecocks!!!

As always, love ya Sista!!