Just found out today that my baby boy got engaged...now understand that he is 31 but in my heart it just seems like yesterday he was in to skateboards, baseball and junior golf. He was such a fun kid. He had such a great personality and his smile would melt the heart of even the most hardened teacher (which he often had to use) He was not into school but loved to learn. His middle name as a little boy was 'WHY?" You could answer and then he would ask why then another why. He graduated from high school (not sure he ever finished a book) but did quite well and played golf so well he won a golf scholarship to Va Tech. After a couple of years felt it was too cold and he really wanted to go to Carolina (much to my dismay since I was teaching at NC State) but it was the right decision for him and while I think he majored in golf, he did manage to get a degree in Economics. He move to Charleston, then Charlotte and now lives in New York. I had hoped he would come home before he met that special someone but God had other plans and has blessed him with a beautiful young lady who I believe really is his soul-mate. Call it Mom's intuition or instinct but I knew when I met her she was the one...he had described the kind of girl he wanted and Ginni certainly was the picture.

I am so proud of him....not sad that I will be giving him away to another woman but know that with Ginni I will always have my son. A mothers love just grows and embraces all those who love her children. I love my son-in-law like my own so know that Ginni will be another daughter.

Loss if a Leader

There have been so many beautiful tributes to Senator Kennedy that one more would seem trite but when you have spent your adult life watching the Kennedy family it feels very personal when one of them passes away. Teddy use to be my least favorite of all. I really, really liked John and when he won the election (I was in the 7th grade) I remember deciding that I wanted to be in politics. I choose not to do so but did stay in public service arena giving my entire professional career to heping those less fortunate. After 40 years of doing this work I am still inspired by the messages of all of the Kennedy clan. Yes they were blessed with money but they could have easily done what a lot of peole do that have money...spend it on themselves and forget that the world is not all like them. The Kennedy's used their power and influence to help us all remember that those who are less fortunate need our help. As they rejouice in heaven, let us pray their legacy lives on.

Old and young

Emma, my first grandchild called last night ..twice! The first time was to tell me she was going to lose her first tooth and the second time to call to tell me she lost it! She was so excited! Seems funny since my husband (who just turned 61) was almost in tears when he told me had lost another tooth! Funny how things change over time! When you are little you can't wait to get old and lose your teeth when you are old all you can talk about is how you wish you were younger and your teeth did not fall out.

The sands of time. Notice how they seem to drop faster the older you get?

We had an awesome Education Ball...it was the best ever. We had a complete sell out thanks to so many people who helped to sell tickets and get folks involved...we already have folks volunteering for next year to dance!! The sponsors were very happy ....a grest thing to have and they all said they were coming back next year! Watch our website for lots of new footage and picture next week. Amazing week!!!

The deaths of several famous people this week serves to remind us that fame and fortune do not guarantee you will really live to see or enjoy it. Certainly the life of Michael Jackson as gifted as he is was a mixture of both triumph and happy days and huge depths of despair. Whether Michael was guilty or unjustly accused we will never know. His judgement on that awaits him as he leaves this earthly place but that he gave his gift of music to the world is indisputable. I am glad there was a Michael Jackson because at least for his brief time he made the world sing and dance. He made people from all cultures sing the same language at least for a brief period of time. He made people near and far celebrate in the common language of talent. Thank you Michael.

Farrah Fawcett also gave us a beautiful and gifted smile and made us laugh and cry at her talent. She stood in the face of death and defied its toll on her life. She also had dignity in her final days and tried to share her pain so that others would know they are not alone in the battle to fight one of the most devasting diseases of our time. Fawah with her golden smile, lovely locks and sweet disposition taught us that beauty can be inside and out.

Good bye to two great talents who have left us a better place for having them grace us.

Long, hot day coming to an end. One more day in Memphis before heading home to the beach and then to Raleigh.

This is way too cool! I like putting this in one time and then I don't have to go to all of my contacts!