A Weekend of Inspiration and Awe
April 27, 2009
Even though I work in education, there are many times I wonder if I am making a difference. If my contribution matters.
When I advocate, it’s a little easier to see because of the quick results that are accomplished by better grades, happier teachers, a calmer child in the same chaotic experience.
I’m constantly struck by the feeling to want to accomplish more, do more, say more, be more. Sometimes I rise to the challenge; but several times I wonder if I may have fallen short of the mark.
This weekend was full of amazing moments.
On Friday night, I had the pleasure of spending an evening with Anissa and her family. For those of you who have not met Anissa, she is everything she is on Twitter, on her many blog jobs, and more. But the job she is the most beautiful at? Is being a mom. I have seen Anissa interact with strangers and within minutes make lifelong friends. But the absolute best of her? Is for her kids. It was a pleasure and an honor to have her open up her home and share her family with me (and get to read two of my favorite books with her kids!). I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. She did more for me than just that, so you’ll need to read on…
Saturday morning came early, and well before the bright. With smiles on our faces, purple shirts on our bodies, and Starbucks in hand, we set off for the University of Tampa to walk for Maddie, Heather, and Mike in the March of Dimes Walk for Babies. Our Team was made up of some fantastic people, many of whom I had not yet met. To walk with a group of people who understood the reasons why we needed to be there, it was a powerful morning of bonding, sharing, grieving, and making a difference and a contribution. The weather could not have been better, and the walk was over almost as soon as it began. I will treasure that morning for a very long time.
The afternoon had us racing back home to change and head over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for an event with the Mike Alstott Family Foundation and the Children’s Cancer Center; two groups that hold a HUGE piece of Anissa’s heart. After fighting beach traffic into Clearwater (what? a beautiful Saturday and you want to go to the beach? Sheesh!) We arrived and settled in for some dolphin time with some of the most wonderful kids and families I have ever met.
To have been granted that kind of access and to have been welcomed so graciously by everyone into the day was humbling and I will treasure it always.
I was struck by how much love was in that room, and the sheer joy of the moment was palpable. I can completely understand why Mike and Nicole Alstott have taken this charity into their hearts; it was hard not to.
It also made me miss my kids. Very much.
So after dinner with Anissa, Natalie (whom I adore!), and their families, we rushed back to Anissa’s so I could gather my things, say goodbye and thank you, and head back home.
Of course I got lost, would you expect anything less?
A quick recovery, and I was on the right path home. Exhausted, hopeful, melancholy, blessed, grateful…but home.
…and sleep.
April 27th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Ah Shash what a good good egg you are, and what a fabulous day.
See? People DO make a difference!!
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Shash Reply:
April 27th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Thank you so much. My mom used to say that all the time, and I miss that.
I like my eggs scrambled though, so I hope that doesn’t say that much about me!
Can’t wait to meet you in person!
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April 27th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Thanks for sharing your beautiful weekend…really inspiring.
I can’t wait til Anissa moves to GA!
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Shash Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I’m gonna miss her. *SOB* Luckily she has an open door policy, and I plan to use it liberally!
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:26 am
What a great weekend! So cool that you got to experience all of that, especially with bloggy friends!
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Shash Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Everything is better with bloggy friends!!
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April 29th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Yikes, I gotta fix your replies – can’t read those! Sorry!
The walks were so inspiring…I just wish you and I could have walked together but too many miles kept us apart. xo
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April 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I’m just SO glad you got to come and share this amazing weekend with me. HUGS and love back at ya and you KNOW my door is always open.
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April 29th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Thank you for sharing your weekend… how inspiring!
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April 29th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
You got to TOUCH Mike Alstott?
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Shash Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I KNOW!!! Me? Being HUGGED by Mike Alstott? Holy Cow!!!
(He and Nicole are SO NICE!!! Like, REALLY nice.)
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May 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
What a wonderful cause, and what wonderful people!
P.S. found you thru twitter
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Shash Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Thanks for finding me!! If I’m not following you, @ me please!!!
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May 4th, 2009 at 10:10 am
It was so great to meet you. What an amazing day we had – and yours continued to be amazing even after the walk! How cool you got to the aquarium too. So. Heres a secret. I kind of stalk the Clearwater Aquarium webcam whenever I need a happy place. Check it out if you haven’t seen it already!
http://www.cmaquarium.org/webcam.html
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Shash Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Pssst…. I plan to go back and bring my kids
Maybe we can meet up? How awesome would that be?
xoxo
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May 5th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
What an amazing weekend and you achieved so much. Your friend Anissa sounds great, a real friend. I’m glad you had a great weekend and I hope you’re patting yourself on the back for achieving so much!
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