Paying Homage

I am who I am because of those closest to me, quite literally. During my formative years in Harrisburg, NC, I did not receive a tremendous amount of guidance, direct or implied, from those in my household, so at a very early age I learned to study people. I studied characters in books and on horrible 1970's sitcoms (think Brady Bunch, Charlie's Angels and Love Boat). I studied friends and frenemies at school and most of all, I sought the approval of my teachers. Reading was my escape from life and at school, being able to read well brought me power! Every subject had reading at its core and I was able to use the information I gleaned from books to excel, which afforded me greater access to more books and some opportunities for leadership. For as long as I can remember books, music and leadership have been the cornerstones of the life I  wanted to build.

When I was accepted to UNC, I was 19, living on my own in Charlotte, NC, and completely dependent upon government-sponsored financial aid for the chance to obtain a college education. Undoubtedly, I did not have the Carolina Experience that they advertise on the brochures, but I did find others like me....book-based leaders and orators working tirelessly to build lives that were vastly different from the ones they had "back home". We walked together, talked together, drank (alot!) together, won a few National Championships together and eventually grew into adults trying to make peace with all aspects of the ongoing construction of our lives.

Fast forward 24 years to January 1, 2010, when my beloved Tarheel Soulmate, David C. Smith, began his photoblog. When I read his first entry, I remember longing for the ability to experience the nuances of life as artfully and thoughtfully as he did. As he had so many other times during the course of our relationship, the way he framed his journey profoundly impacted the way I wanted to live my life. And through his influence and my perseverance, I do experience life more artfully and thoughtfully than I did a year ago.

So, to you, My David, I pay humble homage...for all that you are, all that you share and all that you are becoming. Rest peacefully knowing that you are a much better mentor than Marcia Brady or Julie, The Cruise Director!