"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special. I just got one last thing, I urge all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have. To spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get your emotions going."
Dear Diary,
It’s Sunday, so I presume it’s time to glance back over my week to review what has transpired; where have I succeeded and where have I fallen short? While I am not an NC State fan, I am a supporter of Jim Valvano--in the last stages of his life with cancer, he spoke the above words; I try my best everyday to live by them.
I was just wondering if a chuckle is the same as a laugh. Regardless, I did laugh a great deal this week-with my students as well as with my family so I can check that category.
Let’s see, did I cry? Yeah, tears fell watching the news of Japan and all the suffering by the citizens. I wiped my eyes as I inscribed the post on my Grandpa and once more when I read all the heart-felt comments about my Grandpa. It really reminded me that I have grand people in my life. I shed tears for Kim who had to put her beloved golden retriever, Tanner to sleep.
And gosh, there’s no doubt I was able to think. I once heard that teachers make hundreds of decisions throughout the school day. I would agree, although most are meaningless; can I sharpen my pencil? In my job alone, I am forced to think. I also thought of the scores of people in my life; their heartaches, their obstacles, their devastations and their challenges. I devote deep thought as to how I might respond to these friends and loved ones to best support them. At times, all I can offer is prayer so I know I haven’t fallen short in that regard.
And Diary, I also worked hard. Remember that pile of mulch and top soil placed in the driveway on Friday night? Well, it didn’t get moved by any little fairy-plus I was coerced to cheer for my teams of the Carolina Men’s and Women’s basketball, and don’t forget the Carolina Hurricanes.
So I guess I did okay, and next week will be filled with fresh opportunities and new experiences. I pray I am found worthy and capable as well as compassionate and sensitive. I ask for occasions to laugh even if it means chuckling at myself. May I enjoy the precious moments I am given with all the emotions I encompass.
PS Diary, if my teams could keep on winning that would be an added bonus
Jim Valvano
Dear Diary,
It’s Sunday, so I presume it’s time to glance back over my week to review what has transpired; where have I succeeded and where have I fallen short? While I am not an NC State fan, I am a supporter of Jim Valvano--in the last stages of his life with cancer, he spoke the above words; I try my best everyday to live by them.
I was just wondering if a chuckle is the same as a laugh. Regardless, I did laugh a great deal this week-with my students as well as with my family so I can check that category.
Let’s see, did I cry? Yeah, tears fell watching the news of Japan and all the suffering by the citizens. I wiped my eyes as I inscribed the post on my Grandpa and once more when I read all the heart-felt comments about my Grandpa. It really reminded me that I have grand people in my life. I shed tears for Kim who had to put her beloved golden retriever, Tanner to sleep.
And gosh, there’s no doubt I was able to think. I once heard that teachers make hundreds of decisions throughout the school day. I would agree, although most are meaningless; can I sharpen my pencil? In my job alone, I am forced to think. I also thought of the scores of people in my life; their heartaches, their obstacles, their devastations and their challenges. I devote deep thought as to how I might respond to these friends and loved ones to best support them. At times, all I can offer is prayer so I know I haven’t fallen short in that regard.
And Diary, I also worked hard. Remember that pile of mulch and top soil placed in the driveway on Friday night? Well, it didn’t get moved by any little fairy-plus I was coerced to cheer for my teams of the Carolina Men’s and Women’s basketball, and don’t forget the Carolina Hurricanes.
So I guess I did okay, and next week will be filled with fresh opportunities and new experiences. I pray I am found worthy and capable as well as compassionate and sensitive. I ask for occasions to laugh even if it means chuckling at myself. May I enjoy the precious moments I am given with all the emotions I encompass.
PS Diary, if my teams could keep on winning that would be an added bonus
