It's been 8 months...

It's kind of hard to believe that it has been 8 months today.  Even though many things have happened since then, it still seems awfully fresh on my mind.  The last time I blogged I was heading to Columbia to watch the Gamecocks take on Georgia.  It was the most electric atmosphere I have experienced in that stadium in a long time. We won and we won BIG!  I had a great night with everyone-family and friends always make things so much fun.  Just a little update that you already know, the games at LSU and Florida didn't turn out as pretty as the Georgia game-oh well-looking towards Tennessee this weekend.

The following weekend I went with Mom and Mammaw to Edisto for the Tour of Homes.  It was an experience I wouldn't give anything for it but you and I would've talked or texted alot that weekend.  There were so many Mammaw stories.  One of my favorites was after talking about the beach house all weekend and explaining to her why we didn't own a house on the water that we just couldn't afford it and that we were happy with the house we have, she called Mom Sunday night after talking to Uncle Phil and asked her why she didn't tell her we were staying at her beach house.  She just thought we had rented an apartment.  It was a good weekend with once again treasured memories from Shorty's Shack.  I got up early Sunday morning and walked the beach, I took several photo's of the sunrise but this one reminded me mostly of you.

I walked down the beach that morning because Mom told me your favorite little beach cottage (you know the periwinkle blue house) had been sold and painted.  They had an auction but she didn't find out about it until afterwards, we would've like to have something from that house because you liked it so much.  These are the new colors, just not the same!

Last Thursday you were inducted into the Heroes and Heroines Hall of Fame for Lexington School District 2.  You are surrounded by loved ones on that wall, Mom being one of them and also Jan Smith.  It really made us think how much fun you and Jan are having together these days.  I bet Gamecock football nights you 2 are getting into all kind of trouble!  The ceremony was a wonderful tribute to you and all that you have done for children.  The district food service prepared food "from the colors of the Rainbow" just like you taught the children.  They also had chips and salsa just for you :)  Once again, you would've been so proud of Jacob and the girls-what a family!  Springdale showed their love and support as they have done all along. 

Gotta go to work, love ya so Sista!!

Good Saturday morning Sista-
I'm heading down to Columbia today to watch the Gamecocks play.  It has been a while since I've been to a home game.  I didn't make one last year but I did go and watch the East Carolina game at your house to start the season last year.  That was one of my favorite games in a while, I was so happy that I decided to go watch it with my family that night!
I'm looking so forward to being with friends and family.  Even though I feel close to you ALL the time, I'm especially excited to hear an "Arr, arr, ar, arr, arrrr" (that's your version of cock-a-doodle-do I believe)
No one will do it quite like you but it will be great to hear!  Addie camped out last night at the horseshoe for ESPN's Game Day.  I know how much you love that place and I'm sure you would've gone to check on her (I mean join in the fun) at least once :)

I'll report back later-love ya so Sista!!!!

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!!

What a start to the 2012-13 school year!

Little heads up, this may be a long one!  So much has happened in the past week and yet so much to come.  I'm opening with a prayer I received on my daily devotional of "griefshare" that I get via text.

Lord of heaven, calm my heart and help me to remember right now the precious memories I can learn from, grow from, and treasure in my heart daily. Amen.

We'll start with Addie going to college.  She worked hard to get everything she needed ahead of time and was organized and ready when we all got there Saturday morning.  Anna helped her plan earlier in the summer, helped her pick out her colors and guide her on what she needed.  Bon Bon shopped with her during the past week to make sure she had exactly what she needed...not to mention getting her a gorgeous coral lamp for her room.  Bon Bon, Addie and I had a great day of lunch and shopping for things like pillows, under the bed storage and a mattress pad.  Doesn't sound like fun stuff but definitely necessities!  Jacob took her to Carrabas to eat and to explain that she HAS to go to dinner once a month with him while at college :)  Ashley, Jonathan and Emirie came over Thursday to help pack her clothes (I think that's where all the organization started.)  The Ingrams had us over for steaks on Friday for Addie's last "official" night at home.  Saturday morning the crew (Bon Bon, Jacob, Anna, Keith, KK, Sally, Jonathan and Ashley) met to load up Addie for this exciting time in her life...

 

 Her friend, Kennedy, met us there and helped ALL day long.  She was there long after I left to head back to Rock Hill.  Addie's just like you, she chooses GOOD friends!

The room is beautiful-just like Addie :)

Monday was Anna's first day as a 3rd grade teacher at Springdale, amazing isn't it?!  Seems like just yesterday that she was a 3rd grader herself sitting in that same classroom.  Like the prayer says, treasure the memories in my heart, and I truly do.  I'm thankful to have so many wonderful memories, because you knew how important family was and what it means to be there for each other.  Anna and Addie get it too!!

This is Anna's room, she has an ocean theme going and it looks great.  So many people have helped her that I can't possibly mention them all here but we are all so thankful to everyone.  She has 26 children in her class, a daunting task for anyone but she will love them all and teach them that they matter and to believe in themselves.  She is so much like you too!  Both girls are such a good mix of you and Jacob.  I can't wait to share more pictures of her school year, I know there will be many special memories.  Kellie used your wooden apple for the nameplate outside of Anna's classroom and cleverly changed the "Mrs. Wilkerson" to "Miss Wilkerson" just one of many sweet experiences at Springdale.

This week has been emotional for so many reasons but one I didn't think about was starting back to school.  We would always talk about what we were doing new this year, ideas we were thinking about, how exciting it was to start a new year...it was a very difficult start for me.  My students start tomorrow and I'm ready for them.  I love a new school year and the enthusiasm children bring is so refreshing.  I cherish my memories with you like nothing else, I hold them dear to my heart constantly.  Thank you for giving me that and for teaching us all what it means to make a difference.  You just need to show someone that you care.  This past week we were overwhelmed with all the people that showed our family that they care.  YOU made a difference, more than you could have even imagined while you were here on earth.  But you live on with us...next week, a ribbon-cutting for Cindy's Place at Springdale.  What a year this is going to be-I'll keep you posted :)

Exciting week-August, 2012

Cindy, this will be short but I will definitely be back next week to share pictures and stories from the week.  Addie moves into USC on Saturday, August 18th.  She has been working hard looking for all of her dorm stuff even though she is on her second round of antibiotics.  Her room is going to look great and I think she is ready to be a college freshman! I know you are so proud of her, she's so level-headed.  Anna has her open house tonight as a first year teacher at Springdale Elementary.  Her room is going to look great too :) I'm not sure where these girls get their fashion sense but it sure wasn't from the two of us!  The Springdale family has been unbelievable and I couldn't ask for any place better for her to start her career as a teacher.  Oh yeah, and Anna is on her second round of antibiotics too.  But, I think they are both on the mend and will be well for gametime!  Love ya, Sista

Who are your heroes?

I just spent 5 days at the National PE Institute in Asheville, NC and it was the most powerful professional development I've ever attended.  The days were from 8-4:30 but they truly flew by because they were so informative and in true PE fashion we were up and moving for a good part of the day.  Each day started and ended with keynote speakers that empowered us to be the best and do our best for the kids each and every day.  The final morning Artie Kamiya shared a couple of inspirational stories and lessons.  He then asked us to share with our neighbors the people that we consider to be our heroes.  Of course I think of Mom and Dad, former teachers and many family members and friends that have meant so much to me and helped mold me into who I am today.  I shared Cindy with my neighbor (that I didn't know) but then afterwards Artie asked if anyone wanted to share with the entire group (over 300 physical educators attended the conference.)  After a few people spoke, I decided to share because Cindy was there with me for the week (as she is each and every day.) So, I told the crowd a little about why she's my hero but the emotional part of me took over and I kept it pretty brief.
So now, I'd like to share why Cindy is my hero;

From the day I was born, Cindy was there for me.  She was 5 years older so I think I was kind of her baby doll :) She fed me, watched over me, took up for me and taught me many lessons.  But she's my hero because of our relationship as adults, here are some examples of why she is my hero:

-she's an advocate for children at all times, the child comes first
-she constantly found ways to help families exercise together which was the push behind the facelift to the playground she called "The Healthy Fitness Zone" now known as "Cindy's Place"
-she NEVER treated anyone as if she was better or above them, all are equals and all are important
-she taught children, colleagues and parents the importance of being healthy and she "walked the walk"
-she loved and adored her family
-she fought for what she believed in
-we could talk for hours about elementary PE and shared ideas constantly
-she would go way out of her way to do something nice for you
-if you knew Cindy you knew you meant something to her
-she verbalized what she believed
-she would listen, even at 2 a.m.
-she would go for a run even if she didn't feel great because she knew it would make her feel better
-she wouldn't settle for less, live life to the fullest
-when difficulties came up, she responded with "let's get a plan"

When I was at the conference and I sent a text to Sally and Ashley to pray for me to get my emotions back together, they of course gave me the support I needed and for that I'm grateful.  Ashley's response was right on when she said Cindy was watching from heaven and saying "who, me??"

I could continue this list all day and I will probably add to it as the days, weeks and years go on.
But for now... Cindy-you are my hero, thanks for always being there, for standing up for me and loving me unconditionally, teaching me through your words and actions, impacting so many lives and just being YOU!
Love you Sista (and football season is coming up soon so I gotta say GOOOO COCKS!! I know we'll be hearing your cock-a-doodle-do from here!)