Reverend Bruce Kirk died this weekend of a heartattack while watching a game at Ben's college, Messiah in PA. Whoa!!!! The pastor I left Salisbury under to begin my freshman year in VA. When I return, and the 'rents have switched to a new church, their family traveled too. Providence. Home of the Wicomico Presbyterian Church spilters, teachers at SCS, and former homeschoolers.

Emily, Molly, and Ben. Emily and Molly were teachers kids at the lower campus, and would have to stay after the three o'clock dismissal while Mom finished grading papers or attended meetings. Learned the MASH (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House) game from Emily one otherwise boring afternoon--being the daughter of Senor Webster, the lower campus spanish teacher.

Rev. Bruce, while Christmas shopping for 2006, in Jack's Religious Gift Shop stopped to talk with my mother and me. Spending money on an education I no longer firmly believed in, seemed pointless, but his encouragement and understanding were very helpful. Could even vent about parental issues. His kids are close enough to my age. Said I should speak with Emily in Richmond.

Molly popped back into my life. I left SCS after seventh grade and if you don't see people daily rather hard to keep in contact. We both worked at the Gibson's stand-alone Chick-fil-A. nearly a year. Disappear for a while until another parental church change brought the Websters to her father's pulpit. She graduated that year from Wi-High valedictorian. The church also boasted Mardela's Jon Robbins, valedictorian. Parkside's or Bennett's put in an appearance the same Sunday they were recognized.

Pastor's wife was a new role to see my teacher in. Miss Donna began as my librarian in first grade. A role she shared with Mrs. Howeth and Mrs. Sherwell and perhaps Mrs. Jester?. Later at the upper campus she became my English instructor. Mrs. Barton's abrupt departure, under Mr Albert and Dr Marsh, led to a gap. Mrs. Kirk stepped in to finish my seventh grade as homeroom teacher.

Well, thoughts off my chest. Clearer head. Funeral emminent. How to balance with course work? Means something for the family to see and feel support.

Cinco de Mayo.