I was so proud tonight to be at my mom's farewell party hosted by her school, Gardenia (formerly Merebank) Primary. Edie (Rusty) Jacobs retires this year after 47 years as an educator (minus a few years to further her studies when I was a toddler).
That's quite something. Especially when you consider that I've had two careers and worked for more than five companies in my so far much shorter working life.
The tributes that were shared by her staff and colleagues this evening reminded us of some of her very special qualities - passionate leadership, warm and friendly hugs and an unwavering commitment to 'do things by the book'. There's so much more though - the enjoyment she gets from interacting with the children in her school and watching the enjoyment and excitement in their eyes as she jokes around with them, how she values family, and her absolute commitment to excellence in school management and doing everything possible to give every child in her school the best opportunity possible to reach their potential and grow to become healthy well-adjusted adults.
We will never know the number of lives she has shaped and influenced. What we do know however, is that her contribution was really significant and given whole-heartedly and selflessly.
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