Gratitude

“In the practical use of our intellect, forgetting is as important as remembering.”

~William James

I have often forgotten to recognize the kindness of people who have stepped onto my path.  Some have been strangers, for sure.  But many of them extended themselves consistently and are now dear 'enough' friends to be considered ‘family’.  During this month of giving thanks, I am honored to recognize all that I remember and hold dear to me (and offer my apologies for any I may have forgotten).

I offer blessings of sincere gratitude to:

·      Bill Koehler, my husband, my friend, and my life partner – for always choosing to love and support me through the many seasons of our 37 years together

·      Matthew Koehler, my oldest son – for teaching me how to let go

·      Travis Koehler, my second son – for modeling how to live a life of magic, even as an adult

·      Gretchen Koehler, my dear daughter – for openly and lovingly sharing your life’s journey with me every day

·      Kristin and Michelle, my lovely daughters-in-law – for loving my sons at least as much as I do and for giving life to my dear grandchildren

·        Joshua, Mason, Ashlyn, and Graycen, my four grandchildren – for opening a chamber in my heart that I did not know existed before you arrived!

·      Bob and Joan Proehl, my parents, wherever they may be resting – for giving me roots and wings

·      Bob Proehl, my oldest brother – for 'following' me home and caring for me always

·      Colleen Proehl, my ‘special’ sister and my friend – for always opening your heart

·      Mary Wittig, my baby sister – for growing up to become my dear friend

·      Wanda Koehler, my mother-in-law – for loving me as a daughter before and after my own mom passed over

·      Valerie Browne, my sister-in-law – for welcoming me with open arms, always

·      Mrs. Hausler, Mrs. Ranger, Mrs. Rhodehouse, Mr. Wade, Mrs. Whiteman – my elementary school teachers, who each played a significant role in my decision to teach

·      Susan Baese, my colleague and my friend – for teaching me the delights and joys of living in Tennessee

·      Diane and Larry Schmitt, my ‘old’ neighbors – for embracing our children and making us feel loved like family

·      Martha Yorke, my friend and colleague – for giving me an opportunity to impact the early childhood community in western New York and for honoring me with your respect and your friendship

·      Peg Agnello Kulu, my ‘too-soon’ departed supervisor – for extending my reach and building my confidence

·      Evelyn Starkey, my friend – for your tenacious, upbeat spirit even in the face of adversity.  You are an inspiration!

·      Tamar Jacobson, my teacher, my friend, my colleague – for pushing me to explore diversity in ways I never could have imagined….and helping me to see how much I had missed before…

·      Susan Block, first my colleague and now my friend – for sharing countless moments of challenge, success, and delight over many cups of coffee

·      William Flannery, HSBC Human Resource Liaison – for believing in my vision for the HSBC Family Center and committing time and resources for its success

·      Susan Brenner, my supervisor – for modeling best practices in management and supervision and always believing that I had something important to offer

·      Sue Ellen Steffens, my colleague and my sweet friend – for sharing her life and her continual personal success with me

·      Mandy Berman – for pushing me to the edge...so I could fly!

·        Becky Bowman, my colleague and my friend – for being a role model by sharing your life of service and commitment to those less fortunate

·      Karin Weaver, my colleague – for always standing to take action when others chose to sit by and watch.  Bless you and your work!

·         Caroline Myss, my teacher and my friend – for sharing your knowledge, your wisdom, and your intuitive insight into symbolic thought so I might ‘die’ to a new beginning

·         Lench Archuleta, my Yaqui shaman 'friend' – for teaching me the ‘old ways’ so I could call my spirit back

·         Lloyd and Grace Elm, my ‘new’ family – for embracing me, believing in my ability to heal, and honoring me with a Lakota name

·         Al White, my friend – for providing guidance and ‘bear medicine’ and for lighting my way on the 'red road'

And to the many, many children whose little feet have crossed countless doorways into elementary classrooms, preschools, and child care centers – for teaching me why adults should be vigilant when children are in their presence.  I have learned more from observing your innocent loving, your unquestioned giving, and your constant sense of wonder than any book, course, or workshop has taught me in my 56 years!  Bless you all!