Learning What's Important

I know I've been away from posting lately. I suppose the old adage is true. I've heard it so many times from family to friends --"I don't know how I had time to work!" Apparently one busies oneself with the the things one deems most important.

Over these past weeks, I have learned many important lessons. They have come in many forms - from sadness to happiness and everything in between. To quote a co-worker, some are more wildly important while others are just becoming more apparent to me as I look toward the Next Chapter of my life.

Without going into a lot of detail, I will try to bullet them below.

• On March 22, I lost a very special lady in my life. Elizabeth Duchock (better known to everyone as Aunt Libby and my dad's youngest sister and only remaining sibling) died very unexpectedly. You may recall that I had recently set up a computer for her and gotten her back online again using e-mail and Facebook. Spending that time with her was important back then but today I realize just how important it was. She was my Godmother and a very special person in my life. May God give you eternal rest, Aunt Libby. You are now home with the love of your life - Uncle Albert - your siblings, parents and all those who have gone before you.
• I suppose the most important topic is that of anticipation of the birth of our little Sofía. We were so blessed to be able to see her sweet face recently viewing the amazing technology of a 4-D ultrasound. She is so beautiful and is growing right on target. Looking forward to upcoming parties to celebrate her impending birth with the Cabrera and Moody extended families.
• Family time is so important. We had a wonderful Easter celebration combining the Moody and Schober families. Although we missed some of the family, we certainly didn't miss having enough food. I am so thankful to still have my dad and Eddy's mom with us for another year.
• My faith took a front seat in these last weeks as I attended the final weekly classes with the RCIA candidates at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Seeing the excitement on these peoples' faces helped me realize how important my faith is to me. I was so blessed to sponsor my friend Vivian Drake as she received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass. Congratulations, Vivian! To Randy, A.J., Angie and Vivian -- may your faith continue to inspire and support you in the days and years to come.
• Among the wildly important in my recent weeks is the genuineness of my true friends. I was the guest of honor at a "Nana Shower" given by many of my high school girlfriends in anticipation of the birth of my first grandchild. Sofia will be a very well-dressed young lady and I have so many wonderful gifts to help take care of her. I was so humbled and had no idea that this "lunch with the girls" would turn into a wonderful surprise celebration of new life in the Moody family. God bless these gals for their thoughtfulness! And then there were the 20+ classmates who supported our recent Foundation Strike Out event. What a great time! Thanks so much for your support.

I thought I'd share a few pictures from the surprise shower below. Now you can see why I'm always behind the camera (just can't keep my eyes open in a photo!).

Just way too cute!

My girls

"Like" haircuts....

Glass Angels

In this "retired" life, many things rise to the top of the priority list. Especially when one has been out of town. Get back to the gym, going by Foodland and checking out the marked down meat (today’s selections were beef tips and a roast), followed by a visit with my Dad and mother-in-law. Then there’s going outside to peruse my domain in the yard. The wall covering plants I planted last year are now blooming even more than when I left. Of course, I had to pull a few weeds along the way, and then it was time to water. That took quite a bit of time but it was wonderful to just listen to the birds and visit each plant as if to say, “I missed you! Here, have a little drink.” While going through all the plants, I was reminded of my long-time friend, J. Larry Hardin, who provided me with many of his angels to place in my flower pots. He made them from scrap pieces of glass. Larry is with the angels now. Thanks for the reminders, Larry.

I recently learned the importance of one's words and actions when interacting with people. Suffice it to say that I literally helped to change someone's life by something I said or did. And I wasn't even trying to influence them -- rather, talked about how certain habits I had developed had helped me. The tearful conversation that we shared helped me realize just what is important in life. Every day that we're given is an opportunity to give back and make a difference.

In my last post, I mentioned that would have news from one final accomplishment of my "working" life. Well, it actually happened. I signed up the largest school system ever in my career with SCHOOLinSITES. So proud to call the Hamilton County Department of Education family now. Too, I am so excited that I was able to provide the last two days of training for my friends at Jefferson County Schools in Tennessee. I may be retired but I am still looking in my rear view mirror marveling at all the wonderful things going on with this company. More examples in my next post!

As always, I like to share some fun and informative links within this blog. So here are a couple that you may want to check out.

• One never knows what blessings honesty will bring. Check out this man's story.
• If you haven't seen this commercial, you just gotta click below. It will definitely bring a smile to your face. I really need to find that window?

Hoping that each day brings a new lesson in learning what's important in your life!