Grades for the summer semester were due at noon today, and my department chair just thanked all of us for getting them in on time. I’ve been at the college for five years…actually five years and nearly three months. Before moving here, I was a little apprehensive about the change. I knew very few people and dreaded (no, hated) leaving the beach. In a sense, I moved inland “kicking and screaming” all the way. I knew I’d miss my friends and the familiar haunts of the coastal region. Still, here I am at the end of yet another semester, and this afternoon I find myself reflecting on some of the people I’ve come to know in the last five years.
- Carol-department chair and classy lady who keeps us in line while managing to show compassion and understanding when needed
- Martha-English teacher with a flair for story telling and author of Getting Maisie Married, a great piece of Southern literature
- Lisa-history instructor who recently re-wed her first husband and invited all of us to the wedding and reception
- Laurie-perky, pretty psychology instructor who’s gone on to what I hope are greener pastures (she’s currently teaching at a college in GA)
- Mark-psychology instructor, photographer, potter, whittler, and #1 co-diner at Cut-Rate
- Myles-psychology instructor, electronic wizard, and former tennis pro
- Jim-Spanish and religion instructor, loving husband, and doting father
- Scott-yet another psychology instructor who now goes by the appellation of “Dr.” and resides in central Florida
- Connie-member of my “tribe,” fellow Christine Kane enthusiast, compatible shopping buddy, and bibliophile
- Dorothy-fellow (or should I say sister?) church member who has a unique British accent and an indomitable spirit
- Cindy-member of two of my clubs, New Horizons Book Club and M.O.M.s
- Telene-one of my “sisters” with a double dose of spiritual strength and a recently renewed zest for living
- Chuck-speech instructor par excellance who’s even now pacing the classroom down the hall trying to think of ways to improve his classes.
I often tell my children (and anyone else willing to listen to my prattling) that all strangers are potential friends, and this list proves it. My list is larger than this; these folks are just the ones who’ve popped into my mind this afternoon. Makes me wonder who else is out there.
mom's musings 
I have always heard strangers are friends we haven’t met yet.
You do have a knack for never meeting a stranger. I’m just honored to be your friend.
Thanks. The feeling is mutual. Truly, for some reason it really hit home today that I’ve met so many people whose existence I didn’t even know about five years ago.