January 2001

The holiday season is over and a new year has begun. The wonderful time for family and friends, for giving and receiving, for reflection and rejuvenation, is part of our past.

My holidays are always marked by the times I spend with my sons, my daughter-in-law, and my grandchildren, and by doing childlike things and feeling good about my actions. Holidays are also marked by sitting in the sun and having time to read a new novel, by staying up into the small hours of the mornings to watch old movies, by sleeping late in the mornings. Vacation time defies routine. It is the breaking of all the rules.

But last week was the time to resume responsibilities. And I was ready to resume my work. I am so grateful that I still have five months to spread the good news about education and the news about improving education.

I was thrilled to have the second half of my journey begin with a presentation at the Conference of the Living Tree, a southern California tradition for many years. In fact, ten years ago I received an award from this group for being an inspirational leader in the educational profession. So it was good to see many old friends and share the discussions and excitement that permeated the air. And now I prepare for my next trips to Dallas, Texas; to Sacramento, California; to Lincoln, Nebraska; to Columbus, Georgia; to Austin, Texas; to Miami, Florida; with many small stops in between. How very fortunate I am. I never want this fantastic journey to end, as it must.

Until then I hope I can continue to represent the teachers of America with the freedom and joy and pride I feel now.

Dr. Marilyn Whirry

Check back often to see journal entries from the coming months.

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