Love Her Heart

I am part of a legacy. One of the greatest legacies this world will ever know, in my most humble opinion. This is the story of the Towler legacy. It starts with a one Jerry Towler and catalyzes with a one Lois Ann. The love between these two is astronomical and so far beyond human comprehension, I almost feel sorry for you if you've never witnessed it. With their love, these two brought four dashing young gentlemen into this world and it has never been the same. Now, these six in of themselves could be a legacy, but as they say, "Go big or go home." Well, the Towler's ain't going home anytime soon. Four lovely wives and nine grandkids later, the Towler legacy reigns on and will continue to, thanks to our big Ben and little Owen. Do the math; there's nineteen of us and we all sign the same last name (by the way, it's pronounced Tow-ler not Towl-er).

So, why am I telling you about this legacy--to brag? Well yeah. We've got beauty, brains, skill, charm, know-how, the whole kit-and-kaboodle, and all that. But most of all, I'm telling you about this legacy because we've got heart. And it all started with the most loving heart of all, Lois Ann Towler.

For the past few weeks Lois Ann has been putting up a fight against an array of medical problems. And for every hour of every day and every night, she had a fellow Towler in that hospital room fighting with her. If that's not family, I don't know what is.

It agonizes me to say that our legacy stands one woman short as of tonight, but only in the physical sense. Lois Ann lives on in every last one of our hearts. And although in mourning, they beat strong.

I wish so much, with my big fat Towler heart, that you were still on this earth with us, Grandma. But I know you'll always be with us in our hearts wherever we go and I'll be okay knowing that. Thank you for your eternal love. You will never be forgotten--not in a million years, not a chance. I love you so much. Rest in peace, Grandma Lois.

From left: Grandpa Jerry, me, Grandma Lois

Namaste.

Holly Ann

PS: The title of this blog is derived from a phrase that I always associated with Grandma Lois. If you ever told her about someone with problems of any kind, that was her reply. I can't really think of a good one, but for example:

- "I've had this flu for days and it's not getting any better!"
- "Oh well love your heart! Can I get you some soup?"

History Day

This past weekend, UNC hosted National History Day for students of northern Colorado to showcase their history research and nerdiness--including my students from my field work experience. I originally planned on being a judge at the event but I overslept...it was a stressful week. Anywho, as I lay in bed an hour and a half past the time I should have left, I contemplated over what to do...

Option #1 My bed is super comfy. I could just stay here since I have the day off of work and catch up on some sleep from that all-nighter on Wednesday.

Option #2 Get dressed super fast, rush to campus, find the coordinator, and ask if there is anything I could help with on the side since I missed orientation for judging.

Option #3 Get up at a leisurely pace, take a nice shower, eat breakfast, head over to campus, and watch my students' presentations from the audience.

Option #1 was never really an option. I told my students I would be there and they all left class on Thurday saying, "See you Saturday, Ms. T!" and, "Ms. T, you better give us a good score!" Option #2 sounded like suicide. School was especially brutal this week, my allergies attacked me hardcore, and I received some bad news about my grandmother's health--love her heart, always thinking of you Grandma Lois. I was just plain exhausted mentally and physically but I had an obligation to my kids. Option #3 consequently took the cake.

And my oh  my was it some tastey cake! I walked into Ross Hall where the event was held and saw a group of my students who immediately beckoned me over with cries of, "Ms. T, you're here! Did you see our group?!" and "We're up in ten minutes, Ms. T! I'm freaking out! Are you going to watch our presentation?" I sat down to watch students from another school and one of my students got up from her seat to come sit by me. After the presenters exited the front of the room, this pretty little girl proceeded to explain where her group's exhibit was so that I could look at it after presentation and gushed about her project on conspiracy theories of the JFK assassination. My heart just melted :)

I saw the kids who were "freaking out" through their documentary on the youth movements during the Vietnam War protests and talked to other students about how they were up until 2:00 and 4:00 in the morning. Then we all walked to the Univeristy Center for lunch where more relationships with more and more students formed. Following lunch, the award ceremony recognized two groups from my batch of students as first and second placers in their categories...GET SOME!

History nerds in the making!

I'm not the religious type but I believe in serendipity and I am so thankful the universe made my alarm defective that morning so I could oversleep and spend quality time with my students rather than callously marking off points on a clipboard.

Namaste.

Kins