Educational Excellence

Happy Friday, All!

Yes, of course, if only for me, T.G.I.F.! Now, I am not excluding anyone … but I need to be grateful today … and everyday.

Since taking a “turn” into embracing my own spirituality, I have learned to loosen my grip on “things” in my life. In fact, I think back to when my mother, Marietta Dolores Cook, passed away 9 years ago on November 6th, yesterday, after falling in the darkness of my sister’s house in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma. She bumped her head in a fall, some of you may remember, and became comatose due to a hemorrhage in her brain which went undetected until my sister took her to the ER. My sister and I weren’t “speaking” at the time due to some differences we had aired to each other. Then, I got this call from my nephew telling me that “grandma” was at the hospital and that I should come to see her. It was the first time my sister and I had spoken in a while . . .

We were faced with deciding to let Mom expire, as a doctor had told us that she would remain as we saw her … in a bed with tubes for breathing and eating … and would have to be taken to a “home” of sorts. He said we could visit her, but she would only be able to lay there, responding to touches on her toes or hands, never again opening her eyes nor speaking. We decided to let her go … and we have been talking ever since. Peace be still . . .

So, as I live each day, honoring her memory with a peaceful life …. as peaceful as possible … since we live in a world full of chaos and selfish intentions in nearly every arena, I try to be the best person that I can be. I have to keep this one short, because I get too emotional on the anniversary of her passing. I remember one year not too long ago when I was at work, and it was her birthday, I needed a half hour just to sob and moan in private in order to get myself together. I know she would have wanted me to work and stay focused on bettering my own life. At this time, I am working on a few projects that I hope come to fruition, already the “ball has dropped” on one of them … peace be still … and I have to trust that this, too, is happening for a reason … You dig?! Hey, if nobody told you today that they love you today, and I don’t need you to love me back, I love you …. This is an unconditional love, from me to you, if you allow me to do so.

Namaste,

John I. Cook,