As many of you know, when I heard that Vickey was transitioning to hospice, I created a blog to capture stories, memories and thoughts about her impact on our lives. I would like to share this letter to Vickey--
Dear Vickey,
You wouldn't believe the outpouring of love from all the various areas of your life: Your husband and family who loved you so, your six sisters-in-law who called you the seventh sister; Your friends and neighbors, across the state who are grieving for their own loss as they face the reality of your struggles with cancer; Your colleagues, across the state, the nation and the world: from California's CLA to ALA; from Pasadena in Southern California to Sunnyvale in Silicon Valley, and the County of San Mateo; Nationally as well as internationally, Your OCLC connections, your OCLC family.
Everyone recalls your engagement, whether brief or extended, you left your mark. You were actively engaged in your surroundings whether it be at work, or at play. Your passion for libraries, your spirit of adventure, your love of friends and colleagues. You embraced it all.
As for me, I feel so lucky to have known you so long,
from those early days at Pasadena Public Library and at ALA where we built our reputation of the two people no ono one else would room with. We could talk all night and then laugh until dawn, catching up with each other and sharing our lives. How hard is was to drag ourselves to the early morning exhibits and programs and we swore we would not stay up so late again
How you loved technology from your early PALM and Rocket E-book; I always wondered what new toy you would pull out and share with me. And how we loved to go to the exhibits to find new and exciting applications for our libraries.
Ah, and shopping...it was really an excuse to just be together as old friends. How comfortable it was...
When you called me about running for OCLC Members' Council and talked about the need for another community college voice, you told me that without a doubt, this was the most significant professional activity of your life. You told me of the power to convey a message, that they listened intently, and that often, you would see the results of your suggestions. And how validating that was to shape the direction of this cooperative.
You are the epitome of what we now call "social networking"...
I now know precisely what it is. Whether you were mentoring and encouraging people, face to face or enhanced through electronic communications, it is all about the connections you make in your brief time on earth. Sometimes, those were connections were at the Reference desk, sometimes in the board room and sometimes those connections were in the bar, after the late OCLC dinners. No matter where you were, your voice was clear, your reason exact, as you networked with colleagues to move all libraries forward.
Ernie Ingles said it best when he said about you that you were "remarkable...the very essence of the cooperative, sharing of [yourself] in every dimension.
I will miss your smile, your humor, intellect and energy, yet, your spirit remains in me and in all those you touched, and in all those who had the pleasure of your company.
Love,
Mary Ann
Submitted by
maryannlaun@yahoo.com
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