From: Lisa Whitcomb
Subject: Your Presentation
To: marciata@bellsouth.net
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 6:45 PM

 
Dear Dr. Tate,
 
I realize you are currently half way around the globe on your voyage to Australia, but I wanted to write in regards to your presentation today in Kingston. To simply state it, you have inspired me. Recently I have been in a "funk" about my job and today you helped to jump start my passion for teaching. Within the first hour of your class I wanted to get back to my classroom and practice the strategies you had taught us. I want my students to feel as excited as I felt today. I thank you for your inspiration, motivation, and devotion to making a difference.
 
On another note...you spoke today about people who have lived long, healthy, and inspiring lives. Throughout your discussion I could not help but think of my 90 year old grandmother who "friend requested" me this weekend on Facebook. She is a truly amazing person. Her name is Hope Cavendish and she lives alone in a big house and is the only one of her friends who still drives at night. She is an active participant in numerous groups including a "Senior Players" acting club. I have included a couple pictures of her from recent occasions. One she was posing with a bottle of wine (which shows her sense of humor), another she is in a wave pool in Disney World just a year ago (which shows her health and lack of fear), and another one shows her glowing image. Even her doctor is shocked when she says her age! The other image I included of her is one of her flirting with two waiters on our recent cruise. They courted her with a tray of chocolate covered strawberries. You kept talking about how purpose is what keeps us alive. As much as my grandmother swears it is love for her family, desire to continue learning, and a consistently full schedule that constitutes her purpose, I can't help but wonder if her desire to flirt is a portion of it too. :-) Thank you for letting me share her story with you.
 
Thank you again for an amazing day!
 
Sincerely,
 
Lisa Whitcomb