Feeling Quiet, and a Giveaway

After I teach in the morning, I’ll come home, do some last-minute clean up, pack some clothes, some books, some knitting and head to the airport. I’m excited to return to Albuquerque.  While there, I often missed my Hudson River and the lush green of this part of the country, but I tried to stay focused on enjoying where I actually, physically was.  Tonight, as I looked at the sliver of a moon, I wished that it was going to be full while I’m in New Mexico.  There’s little as pretty as the full moon in a big sky.  I’m grateful to have lived under the big sky so I understand that.

My defense is at 11 a.m. (MST) on Friday.  While this is the last big hoop through which I must jump, I still have to complete the Chaucer class, so I won’t be finished with my degree officially until mid-May.  If you think of it on Friday, will you send me a good thought, maybe for a quick brain and grace under pressure?  I sure would appreciate it.

Today I donated to Sheila’s MS walk in honor of my Aunt Dora.  She passed away suddenly on Sunday morning.  It has taken me a few days to process and believe it.  She is my dad’s oldest sister (he’s the 7th of 8 kids), and when he was growing up, he was at her and my Uncle Howard’s house almost as often as he was at his own.  Long, long ago, Uncle Howard was diagnosed with MS, and Aunt Dora was a wonderful partner to him.  She shared his cheerful, graceful joy in the life that they had.  My parents just returned home from their annual winter in Florida trip.  I think a large part of the trip’s pleasure each year is the time my dad gets to spend with his big sister.  I’m so sad for my dad, and I’m devastated for Uncle Howard.  He has some of his kids near him down there, but no one can replace Dora for him.  She was 80.  She lived a good life.  She was the keeper of my grandmother’s stories.  Her smile and way of speaking were so reminiscent of my grandmother. 

Because of her lifelong dedication to my Uncle, and her strength of character in the face of difficulty, I feel honored to be able to donate to MS research in her name. 

If you donate to Sheila’s walk, too, no matter how much, let me know in the comments.  To celebrate Aunt Dora, I’ll draw a name from those who leave a comment about their donation and send the winner a skein of something wonderful from my stash.

I’ll catch up with you on Sunday.  Mwah!