A Tribute to Martha

For 26 years, I have been greeted by "Hey Lis, how's it goin'" in her soft gentle voice. I have laughed at her ridiculous jokes and  the funny faces she made at lunch. I have enjoyed her company at the local pizza place after a rough day at school, and watched with awe as she effortlessly sunk putts on the county golf course. She has calmed me down when we negotiated over salaries with the administration, seeming to know when to "caucus" as she could sense I "was about to blow."  I had to choke back giggles when we had to play the "naughty kids" for Positive Behavior Supports skits, as Martha was REALLY good at playing naughty. We commiserated about how things have changed for us as educators over the 26 years together, and laughed at the fact that WE are now the most "senior" teachers. She and I would catch up on our "students" who are now mothers or rock musicians or Navy Seals. You could say that Martha and I were TOTAL opposites in every way, shape and form. She was a calm, patient, cautious, teacher whose passion was science and the Iowa State Cyclones, me a wild, excitable, adventurous rule breaking University of Iowa art teacher. Yet we got along so well, complimenting each other. Martha did so many things as we are just a small "family" of teachers at our little elementary school.She organized the food drive, the homecoming float, the holiday meal scheduling, the membership for our local union, the spring olympics...there is so much more that she did and gave to us.......This is what I know- I learned  from Martha; to slow down, think it through, not be so impulsive, to be more patient, and wait for others to catch up....what will we do without Martha Simonson at our school? My heart is torn up over this tragedy..I know it will heal...in time.