Last Chances

Meredith Garvin called me and I missed talking to her. I had tried calling her number for the last year and leaving messages, and she had called the office and I had not been there to take the call.

I was left remembering the last time she came to our office. Don, her husband was with her in the car. I missed saying thank you to her for all the kindness and good work she had done and letting Don know that working with him at Will Rogers was a highlight in my school career. But I only waved. Not knowing that opportunity was driving away, a chance to stop them right then and say what a difference they both had made to me during my career in education here in

Miami Public Schools, but in the sheer grasp of the gentle way they pursued their efforts even when faced with roadblocks, both changing courses, whether in environmental work or crossing state lines to continue being a role model in school districts.

I missed Flossie Mathews when she came to the office with the great pots and garden items.

When Jill Micka called the last time, we didn’t talk long enough.

These last chances to see and talk with my people, as my circle of icons diminishes leaves me with regrets. What would I have said, not knowing it was my last time to exchange words, share thoughts, or just be together?

It rests with me now that each of the encounters we have with each other can be our last. But it can also be our real chance to really BE with each other. This also reminds us to widen that circle, grow into new friendships.

~ Rebecca Jim