Cheryl Kessler

Anything I say here will get a response from Cheryl that I’m “biased” because I’m her husband.  I fully admit it, and I should be!

Although I could write a book on all your wonderful traits, I will focus on a few of your most unique and endearing qualities.
At the top of the list would be your grounding and moral center.  You have self defined boundaries of right and wrong and don’t cave into temptation to slide into a moral grey area.  Although what is “right” and “wrong” can at times be subjective, you define them in a clear way based on moral and smart thinking that sets a high standard. This was evident during your years of teaching when you would have the courage to have the tough conversations with parents of struggling children, or calling out colleagues and administrators for questionable behavior.  This is not an easy path as the norm is more grey area with less accountability.  If more people emulated your approach, we’d have a better world.

You have a gift for making the ordinary into something extraordinary.  It’s your thoughtful attention to what’s important to another person or event to make it something special.  Some examples would be:

-finding meaningful gifts for friends and family

-creating a delicious dish to bring to a dinner party that complements the main course and is something everyone enjoys.

-making holidays, birthdays and other events special. Our kids were the main beneficiaries of this and you always made memorable experiences.

All the above is part of your strong identity.  This may be your biggest strength and what attracted to me to you right way.  You know who you are unwavering on what you stand for.  You inspire others to become more than they think they can be and drive positive progress. 

This is the gift you bring to the world, your superpower that is the catalyst for everything else.
Finally, for me personally, is this.  Thank you for loving and accepting me unconditionally despite all my flaws and missteps. You always provide support and walk that fine line when I need to be guided back on the right path.  Thank you for this gift to me, your love and friendship.  You continuously make me a better person and love me with a depth and passion that is enriching and makes me smile any time I think of you.