I received sad news yesterday that my dear friend Debbie passed away. I hadn't spoken to Debbie for a while, and when I heard the news, it was this knowledge that made me feel even sadder.
Debbie was a tremendous person. She had a great heart and compassion for others, especially kids. Debbie, a middle school principal, was incredible. I witnessed countless times that she took the rough and misdirected kids under her wing, gently counseled them, and they respected her because they knew she genuinely cared about each one of them.
Debbie was funny. She saw humor in life, and didn't take herself seriously. We, who worked alongside of her always knew we could count on her striking smile, and warm laughter that made some of the most stressful days pleasant. As her secretary, I admired Debbie's fair tactics with her staff. She didn't bend easy for the loudest 'squeaking wheel', but rather ruffled a few feathers of the prima donas to offer equal time/resources to the rest of the staff, who perhaps weren't so vocal or demanding, but also had need of support for their classrooms and departments. Debbie stuck to her guns, and that may have cost her.
Never the less, Debbie lived out her life with integrity, grace, and unconditional love for others. There won't be another Debbie, I'm sure of that. I'm thankful for knowing this great lady, and know that her values rubbed off on me.
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