Progress and Endings…
This week for me has been one of clarity (at work an on my dissertation project) and of loss (either a friend of mine or family members of friends). Work and school have been moving along nicely. I’m feeling better about doing my dissertation project and starting to see the faintest glimmer of a light far off in the distance in this tunnel I am traversing. Work is developing all kinds of possibilities, but we’ll see what pans out.
I lost a family friend this week. He was 73 and it sounds like his body clock just wound down and stopped ticking. That’s not a bad way to go for someone who gave as much to his community and touched so many lives as “Mr. Hutch” did. His time ended and he…just…stopped. I went to his funeral and was not surprised to see how many people came to pay respects and support his family. He was a humble and influential man in his community and touched my life in ways I’ll never forget.
I also learned that the son of a friend of mine from Toastmasters died after a long and troubled history with drug addiction. His mother is a friend and really tried to help him overcome his addictions. She is mourning and I mourn her loss. I think her life will improve as she moves further from the loss, but the hole he leaves will remain.
I also learned about the death of a former coworker. I went to his funeral and I grieve for his family. Especially for a very young daughter who will have to grow up without her daddy.
It’s been hard this week to focus on my dissertation project with all of this going on. However, it does keep me moving forward and thinking positively. I had a professor explain the academic process to me once in the following way:
- AA/AS = a time for students to figure out their homework:party time ratio
- BA/BS = a time for students to figure out where the library is on campus
- MA/MS = a time for students to learn to use the library and all of its resources
- Ph.D. = a time for students to contribute to the library
I’m excited to be at the stage in my academic career where I will be contributing to the library soon!
Image Credit: Retrieved on February 21, 2010 from Jonesville, Virginia – Horse Hollow
Sorry to hear about your friend. It’s always difficult. My little brother is going home tomorrow to go to a friend’s funeral… overdose
young kid- early 20′s. But life goes on. I hope it’s not too stressful.
When I die, I want people to be happy. I’ll be giving away DVds of me telling jokes
I really like that explanation of the library vs. degrees. I’m sure your contributions will be wonderful!
Way to stay committed despite circumstances.