Gen's Day

2007 was a big year! I graduated with my bachelor's degree. I had the opportunity to go to Europe for the second time. I had an opportunity to go the graduate school for close to no cost, but I ended up not going because of the next thing that happened...I got my first "real" teaching job! I realized without a doubt during my student teaching semester that I was meant to teach. I am still with the school district where I started my teaching career. I work at a truly special place - the students, the admins, the parents, my co-workers, etc...great place to work!

Within my first month to work in Purcell, I met friends that I know I will have for a lifetime. First, I want to tell you about Genevieve, or Gen. (Although her undergrad friends call her Genna, she's Gen to me!) :) In 2007 she was dating a guy named David, who she later married! David worked for us as a brass technician and Gen came down to help also. Gen & I quickly became great friends - an instant connection. David and Gen are a true match. Part of their connection is they both know the pain of losing a parent. David's father passed away when he was in high school and Gen's mother passed away when she was 11 I believe. (Younger than David was, but I can't remember if it was 11 years old or not.)

January 15th is Gen's Day. Her mom passed away on this day several years ago. Although I never had the opportunity to meet her mother, I know that her mom is alive in Gen. Genevieve wouldn't be who she is today without the impact of her mother's life. Recently Gen visited her brother in the Denver area and got to see more pictures, letters, and other items from her mother's life, specifically with her mother's battle with cancer. Since Gen was so young when all of this happened, I am sure her view wasn't quite what it would be if she were older. I know every year, every holiday, every day has to be a challenge having the absence of your mother but I think this year might be a little more difficult but also a little more comforting for her.

One thing that Genevieve has carried on through her mother is her mother's view of the buffalo. Buffalo? Yes, buffalo! Her mother called her supporters, helpers, family her buffalo. The buffalos made her strong. Around OKC, there are some buffalos. Here is an example of some that around the interstate near downtown. There are also statues around the city that are buffalo. I know this has been a sign of strength to Gen (especially during her first half marathon!) but it is also to me now that I know her mom's story.

If your mom is still alive, give her a call or hug today to say I love you. Even if you don't have the ideal relationship, I can almost guarantee you that your mom is your buffalo. Moms are always there.  And if your mom isn't here on this earth any more, I pray that your can feel the comfort of your buffalo even if you can't feel it physically. 

Here are some of my favorite pictures with Genevieve!

Genevieve's wedding day! December 31, 2008! 

After Gen's performance in the pit orchestra for "Tommy" in OKC!

Genevieve's birthday is on Valentine's Day. This is from her birthday in 2010!

Spring Break 2010 was the year of the staycation! We drove to Meers for a famous burger and then went to the top of Mt. Scott after a trip to the Holy City. It was such a fun trip, especially for St. Patrick's Day!

Jen, Jenn, & Gen! This is before the Midnight Streak in 2010 - Jenn & Gen's first 5k!!

After we finished our first half marathon on May 1, 2011!!