Deidrui Callaway - MsPhenom

Lisa M. Labish: 1959 - 2005

--Deidrui Memorial Board--

Words From Blackheart

Greetings Everyone,

This is long overdue and I promised I would write about Deidrui.  Even though we never had the opportunity to meet face to face, Deidrui was a very special person in my life.  She was my teacher, my mentor, my counselor, and most importantly my friend.  We chatted on the phone, via email, and by IM.

She was always there for me no matter the time or situation.  She offered advice and counsel when I needed it most.  She would encourage me to strive deeper into finding the answers I needed without just out right giving them to me.  She knew it would make me stronger and I would appreciate the answer more once I found it.

As a teacher she would allow me the freedom to explore beyond the boundaries and if I wandered off too far she would nudge me back in the right direction without coming out and saying I was wrong.  She would let me use her as a sounding board so that I could explain what it was I learned and learn further.  She would not let just accept the simple answer.  She pushed me to dig deeper and for that I am grateful.   Because of this I pushed limits and boundaries that I normally wouldn't have crossed.

It really was a devastating blow when I learned of her passing.  It was like I had lost a family member and was numb for a good while.  The thought that crossed my mind is "what am I going to do without her here?"  There was a very big hole that I know that would never be filled.  But I had enough time with her to know what she expects from me and when I go to evaluate learning and situations in my life I just say "what would Deidrui say to me about this situation?"  I hear her voice in my heart and my mind.  I know she will always be with me and guiding me.

She will greatly be missed by all who knew her, but don't fret over the lose because she is still with us.  Just open you heart and mind.  Let her speak to you and guide you.  I know I will.  She has been and will always be a major influence in my life.  The only thing I hope is that I continue moving forward and making her proud of what she taught me.  I know her shoes will never be filled, but I made a promise that I would strive to be my best and to teach others the same way she has taught me.  This way I know what she tried to accomplish will live on forever.

Deidrui, I love and miss you very much.

Blackheart