After recently losing my mother, Linda the day after this past Thanksgiving, I too was surrounded by friends and family while I sorrowed. Just days prior to her passing, I sat at her hospital bedside, wondering what life was going to be life without her. The fear of existence without Mom was all too consuming and becoming real. Mom entered into rest and is now with the Lord in forever eternity. The hurt, the pain, and the mourning have taken their toll, as I just want that moment to speak with her yet again.

Through the past seven weeks I have come to the realization that Mom is not gone absolutely, but here in spirit. Every day I remember the great things she did, her special ways, her astonishing care for others, and her overall being. This has helped me get inspired to live. Live like there’s no tomorrow. Life is so precious and unfortunately, it sometimes takes losing the ones that are near and dear to comprehend. I now have an enhanced understanding of existence. I miss her so very much…

“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.” – Bernice Johnson Reagon

Oh, how I remember those days in class after lunch. You taught me so much! This was a great story about Franke. Thanks for sharing!

Heath

I cannot really describe how exciting it is to see your voice getting wings in this new era.

The good folks in our organization and in our wider community will be better off for seeing your thoughts and reading your words unfiltered. You, my friend, are out of the blocks like a slick sprinter here. All I can do is smile.

It’s a shame so many who haven’t tried Twitter dismiss it as a time-waster. I’ve found it to be a more-than-efficient learning tool.

Welcome to the wild world of blogging. It’s great to see you here and I look forward to reading your posts.

http://drdial.edublogs.org/2009/08/04/the-power-of-twitter/

I caught the bug just like you. It is almost as if with every notice of a new follower, more wind was pushed into my sails. I became cognizant that with every new “twendship” I formed, there was learning that would take place. For some reason, although I have 2 graduate degrees I completed pre-social media, I sometimes wonder what I would have done if I had used these tools during my graduate work. The pure thought gives me chills (and leaves me with a little disappointment to be honest).

Welcome to this world. Welcome to the fun of reaching beyond your district teammates for new ideas to learn. Welcome to the world where you will talk with people you will likely never meet face to face.

Welcome to the ride of your life.