Exp
ressing Gratitude. The day that I interviewed for my first teaching job, I meet a red haired goddess who welcomed me to the school as if I already had the job. She probably had some inside information, but still I remember thinking after talking to her that I wanted this job more than anything in the world. Six, nearly, seven years later, Krista is both a good friend and an inspiration.
- When my mother was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she checked on me. She didn’t just ask the standard questions, she took the time not only to ask about my mother’s condition, but on mine as well. She understood the burdens of being a caretaker and didn’t over praise me like some. Their praise made me feel like I was fraud, no one could be as saintly as they made me out to seem. Her words were real and genuine, just like her.
Four years ago, Krista was diagnosed with leukemia. Her husband was out of work and her only daughter had just started college. She had no choice but to continue to work. She has rarely complained of anything other than being tired.
A year ago, she began to post everyday what she was grateful for. I have always held that expressing one’s thanks did more than being pointlessly negative. It took a little while, but I began to follow her expressing my own gratitude. It helped me put things in perspective. The amazing thing about Krista is that even when she was hospitalize, she continued to express her thanks to the universe.
As teacher and a friend, Kristi’s attitude has brought joy to so many. She is my hero and my friend. A great blessing in my life and the lives of countless others.
Krista passed away this week. She will be missed.
Lucinda Rose 