When a Good Friend, @_silvergal, Shares How To Live on A Friday Night Over Guacamole and Margaritas It's a Good Night

On Wednesday we confirmed we'd get together on Friday night and on Friday morning we determined the time, venue, and dinner choice. Mexican it was, and she came with a gift - a little book by Sandy Gingras written by a mother to her son upon his college graduation. As a child he declared he wanted to grow up to be a whale and his mother, Sandy, hoped he'd keep dreaming with his imagination even as he entered the real world with all of its adult mundaneness.

I am thankful for Kathy Silver's friendship and the way her yellow wings keep an eye out for my stripes.

To paraphrase the book, living a life requires,

• Staying unique, 
• Walking your own path, 
• Following your heart, 
• Moving gently, 
• Wondering and being awed,
• Staying connected with others, even the less fortunate,
• Letting ducks cross the road, 
• Aiming for good, 
• Allowing the imagination to be beautiful, 
• Doing what matters, 
• Knowing if you want enough, everything is possible,
• Being ready to begin, and
• Always climbing your own ladder.

I know the advice offered by Sandy Gingras is the same that Kathy and I have given each other over the last few years, especially in my directorship of the Connecticut Writing Project and her administrative duties at Bassick High School. In this world, it's easier to shine when you have individuals like Kathy on your side. We don't see each other often enough, but we share our survival techniques and know, intrinsically, the value of optimism, surrounding ourselves with happy people, and loving each and every day.

Thank you, Kathy, for the gift. I am cherishing the little book!