Sunday, December 5, 2021
During Kay’s illness, so many memories came to me. Several times a week, Kay would stop by my office. We discussed a lot of pedagogy. Kay was so creative in developing carefully structured and effective class activities, assignments, and whole courses. She also spent copious time providing feedback - both oral and written - on her students’ required drafts. In their course evaluations, many of her students would say they felt well-prepared for their upcoming relevant professional work. Kay wanted her students to do well. She cared.
Kay would also tell me about the latest book she was reading or show me the latest photo she’d taken, birds she’d seen, recipes, her knitting, and especially the flowers in her garden. Kay shared.
After my Mother’s death, Kay invited me to go for a hike in the watershed where she knew the Lady Slippers would be in bloom. We hiked in through the bare trees. I like hiking in the woods and the quiet was nice. A ways in, she pointed out a Lady Slipper. As we took a picture of it, I turned and saw another one, then turned again and saw another and another - a whole grove - that I would easily have missed from the trail. On the way back, I noticed quite a few ground plants. We stopped to examine each and try to identify them. Kay noticed and appreciated. Especially, she shared.
Kay cared and shared: to my mind, a rich and profound way to live and a wonderful way to be remembered. I cherish my time with her and will hold those memories in my heart as long as I live.
Sam and Rick - my heart goes out to you both. I am sending you strength.