Happy Moment #11: Unexpected Gifts!

I only have a moment but I have to share the most wonderful thing that happened today. After a crazy first week of the semester where I am (1) teaching an extra course; (2) teaching 5 courses on Tuesdays which keeps me at school for 12+ hours; (3) teaching a course I have never taught before ever -- Shakespeare; (4) working as hard as I can as a board member for the St Louis Triathlon Club; and (5) fitting in a few hours of part-time work at the fabric store -- it was delightfully awesome to walk in the door and see a surprising gift from one of the dearest people in my life. I just have no words.

Mary Law has known me since I was an awkward 17 year old with a mohawk who showed up to a private Catholic college with no idea of what she wanted to do with her life. Mary was one of the people who became a friend, a mentor, and a mother figure. I adore her and just wish I could see her more often. I can't adequately explain how important she is to the person I have become and I owe her so much. She "knows" me in the way a close friend knows another person and I am so lucky to have her in my life. I adore her to the ends of this earth!

So thank you, Mary, for this two books! I am keeping your note with them both and will pull them out when I need a short break and a smile. These books absolutely made me smile -- thank you!