Farewell Cheerleader

Three years ago I was training for my first marathon.  I was pregnant with Lumpy (Cash). 

My first marathon (San Antonio Rock N Roll) wasn't exactly record breaking (unless you count it as the slowest) or really very comfortable, but I did it with my mom and I have lots of good memories.

One of the BEST memories of my first marathon is of our cheerleader, Bill.

Keep in mind, it was my mom's first marathon, my first marathon and I was twenty weeks pregnant and our ONLY cheerleader was my mom's former patient and friend, Bill McDonald.  Buttin wasn't there, my dad wasn't there and I loved teasing them both for comfortably sitting on a couch watching TV while a man who was walking with a cane met us no less than 6 times on the course. 

Since that race Bill has continued to follow my running and motherhood progress on this blog and on Facebook.  He had an incredibly silly sense of humor, but could also write very encouraging comments.  Bill became like a funny, say anything kind of uncle.  

During the past couple of years Bill has been between illness and recovery, but never stopped making silly puns or funny comments. He's had tumors in his spine for years and he recently went into the hospital for another tumor removal operation.  His wife, Judy, has been writing Facebook updates periodically and although Bill was not recovering, I felt confident he would get there eventually.  Sadly, last night Bill passed away.  

I didn't know uncle Bill very well, but I feel sad.  Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones or maybe it's remembering how I felt during my first pregnancy when I was getting to know Bill (even if it was just online).  

He was a great cheerleader.  Rest in peace, Bill.

In other news, it was only 102 degrees today so Cub and I went outside for about an hour this afternoon.  I was miserable (even in the shade), but Cub had a blast. 

A Very Good Man

I'm interrupting Misfit Monday for a sad reason tonight.

Buttin's great-uncle Leon (who was like another grandfather - one of the wonderful benefits to living in a small town) died today.  His health had been deteriorating, but the news was still difficult.  Buttin will be going up to the panhandle for the funeral later this week. 

Leon was goodness - he was generous with laughter, hugs and praise.  He was the man you think about when you think of the perfect grandfather.   One day Buttin will tell Cub stories about his great grandfather and great-great uncle and that will be a very good day. 

Here's Cub today having fun, completely oblivious to pain or loss.  I'd like to keep it that way forever.

No Words

Last night, my dear friend Shannon's (I call her Nana) mother died.

It was not expected.

I spoke to Nana this morning and I just had no words.  I tried to be a good listener. 

I've known Nana's mom, Maria, for over twenty years.  I spent so many summer days at their house - so many childhood memories include their family.  

As an adult I didn't really know Maria, but I still found myself crying today.

I cried for Shannon.  I cannot imagine being a new mother and not having my mother.  

I cried for Shannon's sister (and my very good friend), Colleen (I call her Weenie) who is pregnant and was already planning to name her unborn daughter in honor of Maria.  

I cannot even imagine their pain - all I can do is be there and listen.

The People Who Shape Our Careers

I've been very fortunate in my life to have several people encourage me throughout my career (although, I don't think many of them would have expected me to one day own a small flooring business). These people have include parents, friends, teachers, co-workers and bosses.

I got some sad news yesterday - one of these career influences, Sid Davis, passed away. He died from complications involving the H1N1 virus. Here's a local article.

Sid was the managing partner at the law firm where I worked in Dallas for three and a half years. I started out as his legal assistant and thank goodness he was patient because I had absolutely no experience. One year later, I decided to go to graduate school, (my father would have preferred law school) so I asked Sid if I could be the marketing director for the law firm (the current one was leaving). I thought the law firm marketing experience would be more in fitting with my career goals and he agreed.

During the next two and a half years, Sid encouraged (and sometimes tolerated) my silly marketing antics. I made all the attorneys play "The Marketing Apprentice" to try and teach the attorneys (who I don't believe are natural business-minded people) how marketing could help their business. I actually won an award for this professional development program from the Legal Marketing Association and I remember calling Sid from Phoenix to tell him that we had gotten first place. He was very proud.

I remember the day I told him I was moving to Austin. I think he was sad to see me go, but he knew that I was moving on to bigger and better things. I will always be thankful to Mr. Davis for the concern he took in my career. He gave me my first big break (so to speak) in the field of marketing and I wouldn't be the same without it. Thanks Sid - I will always remember you.