Back from Auburn, Alabama, where Alison is a student majoring in Architecture. What a beautiful campus and town. The weather was nice, warm but not very humid. We go back in August to move Aly in to a women's dormitory one block off campus. I am so proud of Aly, she has worked so hard to get out of high school and into one of the top 20 Architecture programs in the country. Another chapter opens in our lives, proud parents of our college student, Alison. Our grandson,Dylan,turns 16 today, also. Time passes so quickly.

Will Dickens' 19th birthday

Will, it is your 19th birthday today. I wish you were here with us. We love and miss you so much. Such a beautiful person with so much to give. Yesterday was a beautiful day with the scholarship given in your memory to fellow youth group member, Sarah Bradbury. I felt your presence all around on a lovely Spring day in May. Love, Mom Thank you St. Bede's Parish for sharing this special day with us. The Dickens' Family

Hi Will, From winter 2012 journal entry I am sitting in Emily’s backyard waiting for Janet. I am hanging out here today while Aly goes to Middle College to visit with Amanda before her doctor’s appointment. We stayed with Grandma this past weekend. Attended a dinner at Sheila’s then hiked at Steven’s Creek reservoir. Went to St. Bede’s too! Aly came. Will, things are changing here although I feel your love and spirit abound. Will, I’m sure you’ve been here many times over the years. I wish we knew the Levine family better when you were alive. I think it may have changed things. We’ll never know. Healing progress is slow and steady. It is so hard to imagine that it has been over 2 years. Our lives have changed so much since we lived at Stanford. Aly is now 18, will soon graduate from high school be off to university in Auburn Alabama studying Architecture. Where have the years gone? Sometimes I feel we are not making any progress. I know we are. We miss you so much Will and love you. How it would be so different if you were here with us on earth. I love being in nature with my dog, Millie. Took Millie on a short walk and hear our heavenly friend, Mr. Blue Jay! He visited. I believe that you sent him, Will as a sign that you are nearby. Close always with me. Nature, so much to do in this life. Why did you leave us so soon, so young with so with so much ahead of you? Every time I seen a handsome, athletic, vibrant young man, I think of you, Will. I am so proud of you, my son, our son, our brother cousin, uncle & friend. Talk soon, Will, you are always in my heart, and on my mind. My love to Grandpa, Love, Mom

Will's memory lives on in 2012 and beyond

Will Dickens

Son, Brother, Teacher and Friend

Will had a natural talent for teaching. Being an assistant Sunday school teacher for years at St. Bede’s gave Will the opportunity to share his gifts with the children of the parish.
He excelled in math and science. His special need was in the area of reading since first grade. He worked so hard and accomplished so much during his short life.
Will was also an accomplished athlete in water polo, soccer, tennis, basketball and swimming. On June 7, 2010, an award was given to a Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) high school special needs student who shows enthusiasm for aquatics and pursuing a university education.
Also annual award can be made, in memory of Will Dickens, to the Special Olympics California Aquatic program, 3480 Buskirk Ave., Suite 340, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or www.specialolympics.org.
Working with St. Bede's in 2012 to establish a Will Dickens' scholarship fund.

To heal, our communities must focus on the natural gifts, strengths, talents and interests that all kids have to offer. With this shift in focus and communities connecting with youth, wonderful things do happen.

Will's Story: his life, death and beyond-a trilogy of love

I am writing a book Will's Story: his life, death and beyond-a trilogy of love. I resonated with Lee Hirsh when I saw him interviewed especially with the family that lost a child. The bullying madness has to stop for all.
http://lifelonglearning-l-cubed.blogspot.com/ is dedicated Will, who died on Oct 19, 2009, 16 years old. His memory will live on forever. He had such a wonderful impact on so many lives. I hope others grieving loss will be able to gain hope, healing and ideas to honor lost loved ones.

Ceviche in Morea

Back in February on the beautiful island of Morea in French Polynesia, we were on a lunch cruise to swim with stingrays, sharks and other beautiful sea life. At the picnic area, I was selected by our guide, Seeki, to help make Ceviche, so delicious. I am the last person to help make food, anyway it was fun and the 25 other people on the cruise enjoyed the show. Seeki referred to me as Mum. Here is the recipe:

Ceviche prepared by Seeki and Mum

4 lb Ahi cubed
Salt
4 liters of water
lime or lemon juice
cucumber cubed
onion diced
tomatoes cubed
1-2 cups of coconut milk fresh squeezed

Place cubed Ahi in a large stainless steel bowl. Add water, stir and rinse. Add other incredients stirring up and down at each point. Serves 25-30

Christmas 2011 Pictures