April 25th, 2010

I was not in school all last week because a dear, dear friend who holds a very special place in my heart passed away. He was training to become a free diver and he died in a tragic accident in his family swimming pool. He was 25 and full of life. He taught me to smile when times were rough, to love unconditionally, and to live life without question. I would like to share a poem that was very special to him. I read this at his funeral this past Thursday.

If You Think You Can

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't, its almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll loose, you've lost,
For out in the world we find success begins with a fellows' will, it's all in the state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man;
but sooner or later the man who wins is the one who thinks he can.

This is how Whitner lived life.This poem hung outside his bedroom when we were growing up and he read it often.
I will share this with my children one day.
I will live life to the fullest every single day and always think of him.

I am back in class with the kids this week but I am going to take off one more week from the blog.
Love to everyone. Cherish every moment.