Dear Kimberley - my daughter ---

As a Mother and one of your many teachers in numerous classes during your first 12 yrs of education we (all the people you have touched these past 22 years) assume you know we admire you. I love you and think the world of you.

As you know, I retired today and because I never got to tell my fellow educators goodbye -- I wanted to take this moment to express how I feel about you. There are no special "daughter days " or "sons days" so ... for today -- this is YOUR DAY!!!!! I love you and I adore you -- not only because your my daughter - that gift of heart - soul and loins. You are a rare - generous - gifted - talented loving individual. As a child you were a loving child. Your awe of the world - your innocence and genuine love simply radiated. Everyone adored you. To many of your early teachers -- you really walked on water. I laugh to recall how I got in trouble when I scolded you. As a young adult - as one of my many students - I stood often in awe of your innate kindness - your beauty of spirit - soul and brilliance of mind. There was NEVER a single Educator - Principal who did not like you. Everyone wanted you for a student. Your brains - humor - loving nature beckoned many.

In 2002 when you stopped the entire line of Seniors walking in to graduate to step over to the line of faculty teachers to kiss my cheek and thank me for being your mother and teacher -- my pride knew absolutely no bounds. A moment that stopped time.

For 4 years - after I got sick - at the age of 18 you stepped up to the plate and became the head of our household. You asked for nothing in return. Today I retired -- and tho I have not been back to work since 1/05 -- the pain of incomplete closure swamping me -- you hugged me - told me you loved me - that you were proud of me -- that I had been a great educator and mother. You told me students and teachers would stop you to tell you I was great. Whether truth or not -- thank you for those heart touching words. To know I was one of your champions.

It is you I owe greatness to. It is an honor to know you - to call you my daughter.  Your kind loving nature - Your brilliance as a student was and is something to behold. Your talent as a writer - your kindness to others. I am proud to share your dream of a bookstore. It is my dearest and deepest pleasure to be your friend.

Thank you Kimberley Dorothea Spinney -- for allowing me to be your mother. May you be blessed all your life with good fortune - love and happiness.

HAPPY KIMBERLEY DAY..

Love,

Your Mother June 15, 2006

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