Just Behind the Door

Graduating with degrees in education, counseling and administration has enabled me to have a positive affect on the lives of thousands of people in Colorado and Michigan during my professional career, which began in 1968. During my 38 years in education, I was an administrator for 33.  In this capacity, I was able to teach leadership skills and quality management techniques that made a difference, ultimately, in the lives of our students and the health of our districts.

I have always believed in three personal and professional values: being data driven, customer focused, and practicing continuous improvement. Every day, improve yourself and the world around you. I presented these concepts and wrote about them in various educational settings. When my oldest son was killed at age 36, my world changed.  Yes, leadership and school improvement continued to be critical, but the topic of loss also became another priority in my life. I have spent the last 12 years studying about the topic from leading authors in the field, as well as personally experiencing additional losses with other family members and friends.

I believe my soul work is now to help others cope with their losses and fully appreciate the importance of learning our spiritual lessons on this earth. In my journey, I have experienced an absolute spiritual truth: when the student is ready, the teacher comes along. My volunteer work with the hospice organization has taught me so much about the end-of-life journey and the losses that their loved ones live through.  I have been encouraged to share my decade of communication with three family members who have passed on, to show others that unconditional love opens the door to everlasting communication.

I now live in Arizona and devote my time to helping others keep the doors of their minds open with possibilities and love, rather than closed due to a lack of understanding and fear. My youngest son is a chemical engineer finishing his graduate work. The irony of melding science and spiritualism continues to be an active part of our family dialogue; we are never at a loss for engaging conversation. My three grandchildren help to sustain my belief in being fully present and customer-focused; they bring continual light and joy into my life.  My love for all of my family – here and behind the door – has taught me that unconditional love truly is the Alpha and Omega of our amazing Universe.