Friday, April 15, 2011

The Ultimate Compliment!

So many of the events that have happened since I have moved to Douglas in my new position, are not things that I can write about on my blog.  I think that may be one of the reasons that I haven't written a whole lot over the past few months.  Living here in Douglas with Teresa and learning a new job and reconnecting with people has been quite an experience.  I haven't had a whole lot of time for other "things" in my life.

Although I know many people here, it has taken me several months to make connections and to reconnect.  I have mentioned in previous entries that it has been amazing to me how fast the trust has come for me in my new position.  I never in my wildest dreams thought that would happen so quickly.  

With education cuts happening all over the country, this is certainly a very trying time.  It seems that our country, and particularly Arizona, doesn't value the importance of public education and what it has meant to the U.S.
 
So the past many weeks has been spent trying to develop a budget that will have the least impact on our students and on our staff.  Our district is a large employer in the community and we have a lot of great support from the community.  The faculty and staff in our district are incredibly dedicated and I continue to be in awe of what is accomplished in this poor, border town.  Our kids are amazing, too.  It says so much about the sense of community that exists here.

Today our leadership team met with certified and classified representatives to discuss recommendations that are going to be made to the Governing Board next Tuesday.   We have been able to find a way to make cuts as painless as possible.   

I firmly believe that we have to involve all of the stakeholders in decision making.  So as I went through the good, the bad, and the ugly of what we will be proposing, one of the classified participants looked at me and said, "You are Margaret!"  This man served on the City Council and knew my mom.  He had told me one other time that I sounded like her, but when he said that today, I took it as the ultimate compliment that anyone could give to me!!  And I truly believe that is exactly how he meant it....

I have thought all evening how to put this into words.  I don't know if I can express the depth of emotion that those three words brought to me.    I can only hope that I can be half of the kind of person that Margaret Shannon was.  I have always been proud to be her daughter, but to have those words uttered today..........all I can say is WOW!!
  
Alice Walker says "My Mother handed down respect for possibilities--and the will to grasp them."  Those words have a powerful meaning to me.  I hope I will continue to have "the will to grasp those possibilities."  

There is not a week that goes by that someone doesn't say something to me about my mom.  It continues to happen.  I know that she would be proud that I am here now.  But more important than that, I am proud to be in this wonderful community.  Hopefully, I can give something back to this community.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be here!!!

9 remarks:

NP said...

What a great story and HUGE compliment Sheila! I know that really touched your heart.
Love and hugs,
Nancy

Anonymous said...

You have written some beautiful things on your wonderful blog, but this was so very special. So enjoyed reading it and nodding my head in agreement with The Compliment! Loved your dear mother and love you!!
Best of luck with your first end of the year Douglas Bulldogs activities!

Sandra

Cheela said...

From my cousin, Yaya!

Hi Sheila,
I just read your last blog and I agree it's got to be hard to do a budget with what's happening to the economy. When I read that someone said to you, "You are Margaret," I could not help but cry. Yes, I agree she was a super person. I just think about the fact that our family has such rich blood. I'm happy you're in Douglas, too. You keep up the good work.

Love,
YaYa

Kerri and Cameron said...

Very nice. (BTW, thank you for the picture you posted w/ my genius hair styling skills. Love the bows.)

~M said...

That's a wonderful compliment! Auntie was awesome and I love to hear stories about her! Sure do miss her. Will you and Aunt Teresa be up here for Easter? I've been meaning to call her to tell her Blaise needs some loving from her :) -Maggie

The Party Chief. said...

Your part about the budget is so important.Also you have some really cool post up on here, and it doesn't matter how infrequently you post,its better to just let inspiration come.
x
www.hausofduzniak.blogspot.com

Cheela said...

From my dear friend, Elise:

Hi,
We had a wonderful time with you at the cabin. It was so relaxing and restful. Jessie really enjoyed it and he also enjoyed getting to know you better. He said you really know how to relax and have a good time and he likes that.
I read your latest blog about Margaret and I cried as I read it. Such a tribute. Our mothers were so great. We were and are very lucky.
Thanks again.
Love,
Elise

Anonymous said...

Sheila,

As you say, the ultimate compliment came from that classified employee. I too had tears. You know your mom, our Auntie, is smiling down on you. We are all so proud of you. Know it hasn't always been easy, but you have such a positive attitude.

Love,
Pat

vectorstyle said...

what a great experience, i wanna like you