Monday, November 12, 2012

Monday, November 12, 2012

Tonight's picture was taken in November of 2007, at the Veterans Day parade in Washington, DC. Mattie appreciated the music and seeing different branches of the military dressed in their uniforms.




Quote of the day: We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~ Cynthia Ozick


In honor of Veterans Day, Ozick's quote, encourages us to pause and reflect on the meaning of this day. To all our patriots who have served, who are still serving, or died in military service, we thank them for their courage, sacrifice, and the dedication to preserving freedom and justice in our Country and the world.

It was a day of meetings today. My first meeting pertained to our May fundraiser, our annual Foundation Walk. Later in the day, I met with the chair of the counseling department at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Last week I gave a lecture on the trauma of childhood cancer at this Institution and now the faculty of the program have asked me to consider serving on the program's advisory board. Prior to Mattie getting cancer, I lived and breathed teaching and the education of counselors. Now my life looks a lot different. Yet as I was talking with the chair, I could see that my numerous experiences on the National level enable me to have insights that an advisory committee desires. It was nice to hear this, and of course, being the chair of the DC Licensure Board enables me to share our current laws and regulations with the School. While taking a tour of the campus, one of the faculty members recognized me. He reminded me that we served on a committee together for our national counseling association. It is a small world and I was amazed with how much this individual remembered about our committee work and time with each other. For me it was as if it happened a lifetime ago, or when I was a different person. I appreciate this direct opportunity to remain connected to the field of counselor education and in the process, I feel this will enable me to find avenues to educate mental health students on the impact and needs of children and families battling childhood cancer.

Peter and I are still sorting candy, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Wednesday is our LAST collection day. So by next week, I will be able to visit the Hospital and unload all these goodies. It is NO doubt the Foundation is supplying a year's worth of candy for Georgetown University Hospital!