Really enjoyed celebrating the career of one of the closest family friends we have. Linda.
We've known her since year 1 of Jen's teaching career. The "Fairy Godmother" to the girls, our wedding planner, and close friend for around 23 years.
All the dinners, parties, excursions over these many years has allowed me to see the amazing, honest, intelligent, caring person Linda is.
When you go to one of Linda's parties, you see the around and variety of people that show up for Linda. People who love Linda.
At Bink's graduation dinner at Bocalli's, she was there. I asked her what she's going to do with her retirement after her BTS tour. :)
She said she's going to go through her list of friends that need help, and she's going to stay for 2-3 weeks at each one's house just to help them.
It could be aging parents, or a difficult breakup, or whatever.
Just shows you what value she puts on friendships and people.
She made a short speech where she pointed in a circle to all of the people gathered and said how much each and everyone one of us has had a profound effect on her life, and how grateful she is that we are all in it.
It was quite an emotional moment for many of us, and Linda.
And then, to see all the pictures on the walls of her garage - of all the students she connected with over the years. The amount of lives she's touched in a positive way is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Her retirement party also got me thinking about my own new journey into the land of never having to work again. What do I want to do? What do I want to be? How do I want to make a positive impact?
I talked to Ed (Nancy's husband) about what he does with his retirement. Then I talked to Dan (Elektra's husband) about being "done" with working. He said to go out and "do something good with it". Those words stuck.
The journey has begun. It will not be easy.
And, time is ticking.
Life is oh so short, and it's the people that matter.
Linda knows that.
It's likely one of the important lessons to learn from her.
In my opinion, none of her other talents (gifted educator, corporate technology powerhouse, etc...) hold a candle to her ability to connect with, and value other humans.
My, how we love Linda. <3