Good Morning,
Some of you have followed previous blogging adventures that I shared on a blogsome site, but I have chosen to begin a new blog; one that is up to date and one that will focus on a number of different topics. Some of my favorite things are (and not necessarily in order of preference or importance) writing and technology, food and wine as well as the pairing of those two things, traveling, particularly on my Harley, politics, and understanding the meaning of life (for a small topic).
What I know is that I love to learn and there is so much yet to discover and understand during the time we are allotted here in this world. I was reminded of that very poignantly yesterday when a colleague of my was stricken while still in the classroom. Unfortunately for those of us left, she passed away, but I would like to believe did not suffer in those last minutes. She was a passionate educator and wonderful colleague. In spite of her small stature (probably under 5 feet tall), she had a commanding, yet gentle presence. She had a brilliant mind and a bigger heart. She reached out to students and colleagues alike. The picture above is of her on her wedding day.
Serving on the university curriculum committee with her, she was strident about the rights of the faculty and the important place students hold in the academy. Whenever I saw her in the hallway or on campus, she greeted me with a smile and a hug. I know that the heels she wore will not be easily filled and the voice and passion she share has left us all better for having known her.
What I know is that there was little warning, or so it seems, that when she sat down in her classroom last evening it would be the last thing she ever did. Yet, how apropos that the very last thing she did was what she loved to do, to teach. I am reminded of the scripture that tells us to “let the days troubles be sufficient for the day”. Indeed, we do not know what the morrow will bring. One of the most important things I have learned is if I have no control over something, I cannot, or at least, should not, waste energy on it. That has been a hard lesson for me to incorporate into my life, but I am learning. It has only taken about half a century.
What I do know is that many of my colleagues are grieving today, and that grief is important for the loss of GCD is a huge blow to the department, the college and the university. What I know is I am a better person for having known her. Bless you my dear colleague and thank you for the hugs and smiles.
Thanks for reading,
Michael
thewritingprofessor55 
Dr. Martin,
Madison here! I have enjoyed traveling back in the years and read about what was present in your life during a much different time period. I appreciated your reference to Matthew in this blog post and the peace it gave you during this time is a beautiful reminder of how awesome God is. It made me sad to hear your grieving for this woman but it was incredible to hear about her impact in your life and what seems to be countless others as well. This woman you described, ironically sounds a bit like me. Well, that is her teaching career and her small stature! It was inspiring to hear the impact she left in the classroom and this is something I hope to accomplish during my career as a teacher who also is small in stature, loving yet stern when needed and an inspiration in the academic world.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I always enjoy reading these.
My overall reaction and internalization of this blog post is how it reflects on the sudden and unexpected passing of a colleague, who was quite a passionate educator and a good colleague. You express your grief and the loss that the university community is experiencing. Your reflections serve as a reminder that life is precious, and we must appreciate and cherish every moment we have in this lifetime. You also share that you have learned the hard lesson of not wasting energy on things that you cannot control. This resonated with me, as that is something I’m actively trying to recognize and overcome myself. Overall, this post is a touching tribute to the colleague who passed away and a reminder to always cherish the people in our lives. Something I must do more of.