To celebrate a dear one

Last evening, I gathered with my Penn State Music Ed family

to celebrate this dear lady,

upon the occasion of her retirement.

 We laughed with her--because she taught us laughter is important;

 and we shared warm thoughts--

because she taught us sincerity and generosity of heart too.

We remembered with her

 and we commemorated her,

for who she is and for how much we love her.

My life would look much different in both thought and deed 

if she were not in it, and I am grateful 

to call her my advisor, my mentor, and my friend.

Happy Retirement Dr. R.--you have earned a good one!