Librarian Micki Nevett, one of the wittiest and gentlest and smartest people I’ve ever known, died yesterday, unexpectedly and way too soon.
Micki and I first met on child_lit. Before long we both also became enthusiastic members of adbooks. While both of us worked with elementary-aged children, we enjoyed the energy of the jhunt awards (when the group works with a list of YA books, voting off one a week — Survivor style — till there is a winner), relishing the intellectual fights about books we would probably never give to our own students. Later we met for real at ALA and at the CLNE summer institutes. And then a couple of years ago we were both voted on to this year’s Newbery committee. Since then we’ve often touched base about the hard work of the Committee and were to be roommates next month when we have our final meetings. We’d even been IMing this past Sunday about what invitations to accept, The Golden Compass movie (Micki liked it!), and the daunting amount of rereading we had to do.
Micki was a very wonderful and incredibly special individual who touch many, many lives. It is going to be very hard for those who knew her to go on without her. My thoughts to her family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and will miss her terribly.
There is an obituary in the Albany Times Union where you can post condolences.
A note from Micki’s husband, David Galletly, and her eulogy are here.
Judith Ridge has a moving tribute to Micki here.
Elizabeth Bird at Fuse # 8 mentioned her too.
Please visit the incredibly moving slide show of Micki’s library at Westmere School. Deb Picker writes that it is a:
…display in Micki’s honor that grew up spontaneously. It began with four little bookmarks left (by children) on a ledge that spans the length of the library in the hallway at Westmere Elementary School. The closeups are meant to be read. Don’t miss ” What It’s Like in Heaven ” where Micki becomes a Wild Thing…Photos of the library interior, too, including Micki’s special reading chair.(Photos by Josh Picker). Micki Nevett-Westmere School-Memorial Display and Library.
Deb also has posted the poem read at Micki’s funeral at her blog.
educating alice 
Monica,
As you know from our online correspondence tonight, I am so very distressed by this news. I consider Micki a great friend and colleague, a fellow obsessive Buffy and children’s lit fan, and a wonderful host when I stayed with her and David pre-CLNE in 2004.
This is a gap too huge to fill.
And you know what? I am not surprised Micki liked the film of The Golden Compass. She had a heart too big to indulge minor, pedantic quibbles.
How I miss her, even from so far away.
Your friend,
Judith
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Monica,
Thank you for posting about Micki. Although Micki and I usually only met up during Conferences, we did exchange IM messages on google chat once in a while and the CLNE a few summers ago was wonderfully energetic because of her presence. I remember that she LOVED my Roman Lacing Boots and was planning on wearing those again next summer at the ALA’s Annual Conference to entertain her…. I will still wear those boots — to remember her and her fun-loving spirit.
I am still in shock….
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Monica, I’m so sorry. I only knew Micki from the lists but I liked and admired her. She will be missed by many people.
Clare
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Monica,
Micki was such a champion of children’s books and their authors – she wil be so terribly missed. I served on the Children’s Literature Connection board with her. Thank you for posting today about her!
Nancy Castaldo
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What a shock to get Candy’s call last night. I too had been IM’ing with Micki frequently as she would pop on and off line while I was online. She was coyly asking me what books I liked and would think might merit consideration for the Newbery. And what age group certain books might be…
I first got to know her through Candy and the Albany area crowd at ALA. We hit it off immediately– It turns out that her first job was at my hometown library in Wallingford CT. She would always talk about our mutual friend David who is still at the library.
Micki always made people feel at home–her library at the school was a warm and inviting place for her kids. I was there during the Spring Into Books program and was escorting the author–unfortunately I did not get to see Micki in her own school since she was at her father’s funeral that week.
So, the world feels a bit smaller today–and we in the library community have lost a wonderful, fun friend.
Bina Williams
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I am in shock. Micki and I just had a brief email exchange this past weekend. I knew Micki from CLNE and ALA, and what I’m remembering right now is a trip to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory with her at the very last CLNE in Vermont. I’ll miss her.
Nancy Werlin
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This is such terrible news. Like many of you, I knew Micki from CLNE and ALA. In addition, her cousin was my childhood best friend, and her aunt my mother’s best friend for many, many years, so we occasionally exchanged family gossip. I so wish I had known her better! What a shock.
leda schubert
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Hi Monica and Friendly Bloggers,
There is sadness all around Guilderland Schools today. We were all so fond of Micki. She brought a twinkle in her eye and a spring in her step to everything about kids, books, and learning. Full of grace, she was a vital member of a dynamic and passionate group of GCSD librarians who lead learning with enthusiasm and kindred spirit. Thank you for posting about Micki.
Kathy Perry
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Monica, Candy’s call last night left me reeling too. Micki was such a caring and enthusiastic cheerleader for so many writers. When we launched the Children’s Literature Connection in Albany ten years ago, Micki was one of the first to jump on board; she fairly crackled with excitement over books. The other day we met for coffee (near a bookstore of course), and she described her current Newbery reading schedule – a book a day. Two days for books with “more to chew on,” she said. I will miss hearing her say, Oh THIS is a great read! You’ve GOT to read this book! Micki was a treasure, an inspiration. Still is.
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I had the honor and privilege of working with Micki for two years on Notables. She taught me a lot about generosity and openness and grace under pressure. A loss for me, a loss for us all.
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This is very sad news. She died way too soon. I only knew her through many e-mail conversations and conference gatherings which only exacerbates the fact. She will be missed by all of us who knew her.
Jonathan
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I am at back at work after a sleepless night thinking about Micki; thank you Monica for this posting–the photos make me burst into tears so I can’t try to hide my sadness from my colleagues.
As Newbery chair this year, I’ve been the frequent recipient of lots of email “asides”–Micki always said what she wanted to say! I scan through my messages and see “OY!” and “DUHH!” and “It’s taking a lot of self-control…” In our practice discussions, I admired her ability to articulate a shifting point of view. I know the whole committee was depending on her contributions to our discussions, and especially on the warmth and humor that she always brought to the table.
I still owe her a treat at Starbucks.
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Micki was a dear friend and my roomate at ALA for the last few years. She loved children’s literature, getting the right book to the right child, and sharing her knowledge with everyone. She made everyone feel special. She and I could talk for hours about what we had read, and usually did! I will miss her very much. She is also an inspiration. Every child should have a Micki Nevett in their life and we would have a nation of life-long readers.
Joyce
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I have had the privilege of knowing Micki Nevett for more than 20 years, and am absolutely stunned by the news of her suuden death. Micki was a founding member of “Bookdates,” a local group of children’s literature lovers who met monthly here in the capital region of New York to discuss new titles in the field. Micki ALWAYS had something pithy–and often profound, and usually funny–to say about whatever book(s) she shared. And 9 times out of 10, Micki knew a winner. I remember years ago when, sitting on my living room floor, she held up Lois Lowry’s book “The Giver.” Micki went on to give a wonderful review of the book, and finished by saying”If this doesn’t win the Newbery, I’ll eat my hat!”
Right on, Micki.
She will be much missed by all the children and colleagues whose lives she touched.
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It seems quite characteristic of Micki to have come into my life in such a way that she seems always to have been there. I can’t remember if we met through CLNE, or through connections in the Albany area, or some other way. When I saw her after an interval, she always approached me like a cloud of solid good humor, sense, and reassurance. Several times I visited her school in Westmere, and perhaps another school for which she brokered a visit, but I was always aware that I didn’t want to be yacking away on her turf: I just wanted to sit in a corner of the room and watch her bustle capably about, interacting with the lucky kids and the respectful colleagues with (apparently) infinite good sense and, though the word is overused at this time of year, joy.
She was clearly beloved by her students and colleagues, and the CLNE circle will remember her with huge fondness.
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This is such a devastating loss for her family and for the local library community She was a real dynamo – full of spunk and enthusiasm. She served on so many committees and had so much insight and experience to contribute. Her vast knowledge of children’s literature was just phenomal, and she was loved by all of the students she served – all the way from kindergarten through grad school. She will be sorely missed.
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My friendship with Micki began as freshmen at SUNY Albany. Lately, over coffee, we’d often reminisce about favorite/quirky professors and courses – Fred Silva and Faulkner come to mind. I don’t know anyone who loved books more than Micki. I will miss my dear friend and the light she shone.
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My heart is broken.We lost a wonderful light yesterday. Micki was a funny, lively woman and a fabulous friend. She was in two parts of my life, Child Lit and Buffy fans. Plus, we’re both frenetic Jewish mothers. :-)
What is wonderful in reading the comments is how many smiles there are through the tears. It’s so hard to think of Micki without smiling at something she did, said, or just her cheerful, bustling energy she brought into anything she did.
David and April, if you’re reading these – know that we’re all thinking of you. Micki touched a lot of people, with her love of books – but also with her love of life and family
Thank you Monica, for allowing us ‘Micki fans’ this forum
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I’ll remember her as the “best” of us
always ready to greet you with a smile
exuding a contagious enthusiasm
fiercely intelligent
Peace be with you Micki
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It is lovely to read so many kind words from all the people that loved Micki. She was my professor and friend- my “library fairy godmother”- an awesome lady.
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I’ve long admired Micki’s posts on email groups– she was much more of a participant while I’ve been more of a lurker. I just was able to put her face with her name in the last year and begin to get to know her, but I’m feeling an enormous shift in the universe despite such a short acquaintance.
Just reading all these posts has me back in tears, and feeling that no one realizes what a hole their absence will make in the universe when death arrives. I really need to go find some comfort in words from someone far more articulate than I am. For some reason the Richard Kennedy story “Come Again in Spring” comes to mind. Substitute the birds with books– it’s not too big a jump. I wish she could have tricked Death into coming again many years from now. A huge loss. Carol
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Micki was a dynamo. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Her love and knowledge of literature inspired all of us who knew her. Her warmth, wit, and way of telling it like it is makes it so hard to say good bye. She is and always will be the Queen of the Library at Westmere Elementary.
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I cannot think of anyone who knew Micki that would NOT be shocked by the news of her sudden death or any of the kind things written here. I met her lifetimes ago when I worked at an area public library and attended a workshop offered on Children’s Literature, taught of course, by Micki. At that time, I was an unemployed elementary teacher working as a clerk in the children’s department-actually loving my job. And I do remember being SO inspired by someone who obviously LOVED what they did. We met again at the Altamont Fair years later where she “introduced” me to her infant daughter-April! She was glowing. And I shared with her how her inspiration helped me decide to return to school to persue my degree in Library Science.
She will always remain to many I am sure-the epitome of who we are and the vision of what we aspire to be. Thank you Micki.
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This is sad news, indeed.
I met Micki through CLNE and worked closely with her in 2005 and 2006 on the USBBY/CBC Outstanding International Books Committee. She was an enthusiastic and hard-working member, a thoughtful reader, good listener and helpful discussant. I enjoyed her company, respected her opinions about books, and envied her energy.
She will be much missed.
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Mrs.Nevett was the best librarian that Westmere Elementary School could ever have. She always knew what kind of book you wanted to read. She was always helpful and loved being our librarian. We will always remember her as the Queen of the Library.
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When I saw Micki’s name as the subject of an email I immediately thought “how wonderful Micki’s won some award.” I was shocked to read that she had passed away. Micki was my mentor. She gave me hints, tips and all of her lecture notes for teaching my first semester at the University at Albany. Micki was a guest speaker in that class. Micki was an expert librarian yet completely approachable. She will be missed terribly.
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Mrs.Nevett was my librarian, and she was so kind to all the kids at Westmere. And now everybody is so sad. And I hope that she is in a better place now, and that she knows that she will be missed by all.
-Kate Corcoran,11
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“Have you read —? What did you think?”
From the very first time I met Micki, my first semester of library school, her enthusiasm for books and brilliant smile were so welcoming. Ah-ha, I thought, that’s a great librarian. And as I came to know her better, through CLC work and attending conferences, still every conversation started with “have you read?” but came to include huge raucous laughter as well. Ah-ha, I realized, that’s a great friend.
Today started in that huge sadness left by her loss but by the time I met with my first graders, I was reaching for the funny books, in Micki’s honor. By afternoon I was pulling out some enticing vacation picks for fourth graders and when they came in I asked,
“Have you read this? What did you think?”
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Micki was a great inspiration to me, from the first time I met her as a 16 year old library clerk, through her gentle nudging of me into library school, to a colleague and fellow school librarian in the Guilderland Schools. Micki will be sorely missed…but her passion will live on in all of us who have had our lives touched by this funny, gentle, loving woman.
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Micki and love of children’s literature and children and learning and my own girls in her library and her generosity when I was learning librarianship and her sense of humor and a good, solid, important human being with an extraordinary appetite for books and opinions: it can’t be that she is gone so soon.
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Micki has touched so many of us in so many ways. She was always willing to share her knowledge and love of Children’s Literature – she gave a presentation at the 2007 Westchester Library Association Annual Conference which got us all inspired and talking about books. I am glad to have had the chance to have known her.
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Micki and I met in 1979, when I started work at the Bethlehem Public Library, my first professional position as a reference librarian. Micki was Children’s Librarian, and her work there largely defined for me what a children’s services section and a children’s librarian should be. Shortly before I moved to Hawaii from the Albany, NY area, when I was worried about whether I could find a job here, Micki suggested that I could always go back to school and study folklore. Although I don’t think I ever told her, indirectly that comment led to my being a children’s librarian and storyteller – and a much happier person – today. Although we are very close in age, I will always consider her one of my mentors.
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Dear Monica,
Thank you for posting your eloquent tribute to Micki. I am still in shock over the news of her death. She was such an exuberant, fun-loving and delightful person. I loved having time, at both ALA and CLNE and CLC, to talk with her about books and mutual friends and the state of the world. I shall miss her – her insights; her joy in seeing friends; her insatiable curiosity; her enthusiasm about anything and everything; her love and support for children and their literature; her twinkle and broad smile when she saw you; and her ability to be funny and irreverent about things she didn’t always agree with. She was one of the most open-hearted and accepting person I have had the privilege of knowing. Embedded in my mind forever is the image of Micki upon first seeing you after a time apart – her eyes lighting up, the big smile, the hand going up, and the conversation starting as if we had just left off.
Martha
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Micki was an amazing librarian who will be greatly missed. I was so looking forward to a discussion on the Newbery selection! I’m positive she’s cheering for certain ones as we speak. :)
Didn’t realize she had gone to Golden Compass and had enjoyed it – have to see it now.
Her colleagues and students are definitely feeling her absence.
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I was lucky enough to work with Micki as a librarian in her district, and she inspired me to attend what became the last CLNE conference, an unforgettable experience. She will be missed more than I can say.
“Bookwoman” read her license plate,
She was that and so much more.
Her enthusiasm for books and our profession
Combined with her caring interest in people
Made for an unbeatable combination.
Micki’s reach was wide
Micki’s voice was heard
Micki’s warmth was felt
Micki’s humour was shared
By all who were fortunate to know her,
And touched even those she never met in person.
From the Land of the Wild Things to the Land of Oz,
She enjoyed the full range of what life and literature offered
And shared it with all of us – her colleagues, her family,
Her library students, her school, and always, the children.
We knew our luck, but never imagined to lose her so soon.
Now there is space on the shelf that can not be filled,
A rare book no longer in print.
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I had the privilage of taking a class with Micki at the University at Albany and I enjoyed her enthusiasm and love for life. She loved the kids and lit up a room with her bright smile and charisma. She will be missed by many.
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Thank you, Monica, for your beautiful tribute. Micki was a mentor and dear friend. Speaking at her school last year I witnessed first-hand how the children adored her — it was like watching a fire-works display — Micki’s eyes lighting up as she talked with them — their faces lighting up in her presence. I will always remember Micki’s smiling face, one of the first in line at my first book signing three years ago. I will never forget our last lunch when she encouraged me to write fearlessly. Micki was a larger-than-life champion of children’s literature, an indefatigable positive spirit, a tireless cheerleader for aspiring writers. We on the Children’s Literature Connection board are discussing the creation of a new award in Micki’s name. It will honor a champion of children’s literature, with a cash gift to the recipient and a cash gift to the library of the winner’s choosing. Appropriately it will be called the “Sparkler Award.” Every once and awhile this planet is a brighter place because of individuals like Micki who are not afraid to shine their lights and to call forth the lights in others. Micki was a galaxy, her own special milky way. She will shine on, shine on, shine on.
Thank you for letting me share,
Coleen Paratore
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Micki was such a wonderful woman and a great person to be a school librarian with (she brought a certain “umph” to our very small district group.) Her love for children’s literature was nothing less than inspiring. It seemed that she knew everything that there was to know about every children’s book out there – and was always willing to share that knowledge at any given moment.
To this day I can’t say a particular author’s name without telling the story:
One day I placed a call to the Westmere school library and she cheerfully answered, “This is Micki Nevett, how may I help you?” I asked, “Micki, how do say…” and before I finished my question and without any pause she replied, “Scieszka rhymes with Fresca.” I was so amazed, I was literally speechless. Knowing that she could sense my shock, I asked, “How did you know I was going to ask that?” and I listened to her wonderful laugh as she hung up the phone.
She will truly be missed by many. My deepest sympathy goes to her family.
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I saw Micki for the first time in a few years last month–she was full of excitement about a lot of new books, especially the Invention of Hugo Cabret, which I hadn’t gotten around to yet, but read immediately after she raved about it. Micki hired me for my very first school visit probably 15 years ago–she was so welcoming and interested. I’ll remember her as an incredibly nice, upbeat, funny, smart, lovely person–the world is better because of her life. My deepest sympathy to Micki’s family and dear friends.
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Monica,
I did not know Micki as well as others but I am very saddened to hear about her passing. I was fortunate enough to meet her at Coleen Paratore’s house last month, and she made a big impression on me as soon as I entered the door. She was wonderful to talk with and she had a zest for life. I knew that as soon as I met her.
What I remember most from our brief encounter is her smile and energy. Micki was clearly a very special person who will be missed by many people.
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Micki was my colleague and Westmere and a dear friend. As I read all your posts, it was like a who’s who of children’s literature. After returning from a conference, she’d email or call me immediately to say “Guess who I rode in the elevator with?” or ” I sat next to…. at dinner and think we can book them for next year..” It does my heart good to hear your stories and piece together all those parts of her life that I had heard something about. Some of you may know me as “The Caldecott Guy.” Micki and I led teacher workshops as well as student mock-voting about the Caldecott Award every year. With her expertise and passion, it seems that our students have always been able to correctly predict a winner or honor every year. She really badgered me this year to join the ALA and attend Mid-Winter with her so that we could be side by side during the press conference for the announcement of her work with Newbery and our quarterbacking of the Caldecott. Two weeks ago we led an overnight retreat for teachers to participate in a mock Caldecott vote and we had the time of our lives. We shared the funny tradition we’ve had over the past years where she called me from the Mid Winter press conference with the winners, sometimes over the loud roar of the crowd in the background. As a surprise, I told her then that I was indeed going to go to Philadelphia for the last couple days of the conference. She was so happy and full of ideas “I’ll have to introduce you to… make sure that you visit….. in the exhibits… get up early and wait outside the door for the press conference…” We planned to drive back together- there would be so much to talk about- respecting the privacy of her committee work of course :) My last correspondence from her was Sunday during a snow storm. She sent me the committee work nomination form from ALA with the edict “on this gray and dreary day-FILL THIS OUT!!!!” Her ultimate plan was to nominate me for a Caldecott Committee in the future. I have mixed emotions about being at the Mid-Winter without her. Maybe this was all part of God’s larger plan. But I hope that when I am there, you will introduce yourself to me, as I will to you, as “Micki’s good friend…”
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Micki was my wonderful colleague in the Guilderland School District. I, as the middle school librarian, was the happy recipient of all those Westmere students who dearly loved Ms. Nevett. All I had to say was her name while booktalking in a class and those students who had her would perk up and tell me about this or that book that Ms. Nevett had turned them on to. Every June, I would get her list of voracious readers coming to 6th grade so that I could be sure to invite them to join my Charlotte Book Club. Every year, she would come to be a guest speaker at the book club, to show the members how to evaluate picture books and share some of her favorites. And this year was BIG! She was on the Newbery committee and she wanted to hear how the middle schoolers felt about lots of possible award winning books! Micki Nevett was my secret weapon to get more kids to read and think critically about the books they were reading!
Besides being a wonderful friend and inspiring colleague, Micki was just fun and a joy to be around. She and I were both librarians in East Greenbush and then followed each other to Guilderland. We were both founding members of Bookdates of Albany, a group of public and school librarians that have been meeting for over 12 years to talk about YA books monthly at each others houses. What discussions we had! She encouraged me to attend CLNE with her in Boston and in Burlington. I was starry-eyed at rubbing elbows with some of the heroes of the literature world.
Thanks, Micki, for all of it. You leave me in wonder and in awe… your library buddy, Sheila
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I loved Mrs.Nevett, and if we saw her in the grocery store, she’d be like,”Oh, Kate hi!”. And she would just be so friendly to all the little kids, and she would recommend (spellcheck) books and she took care of that library like it was her own child. :-) We all loved her here at Westmere, but the most important thing is that she had a happy life, and she lived it the best she could.
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P.S i am 11, and in middle school
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I met Micki only once at a Child_Lit dinner this spring but she made strong impression. She was there with her daughter having spent the day together-they obviously had a strong and loving relationship. Micki was so full of energy and so excited about books, we got into a spirited discussion of what books we liked so far. Her death is such a loss.
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I loved the way Micki’s eyes would sparkle when she spoke–huge enthusiasm and sensitivity always. I regret so much that I haven’t seen her often in these past few years, but her special radiance will remain very much alive in my memory. Deepest condolences to Dave and April.
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I’m a storyteller(former librarian) and Micki gave me LM Montgomery’s book The Storygirl one birthday, hence the blog’s name…Micki was my dear friend for 22 years. We met at a NYLA conference; Micki found me nursing my newborn in the back row of the auditorium and thought it was the coolest thing to bring a baby along! Our friendship was later cemented when I worked P/T at Bethlehem Library and she would bring little April along. Our families and extended families have shared many joys and sorrows. I am devastated and at loose ends yet finding comfort and delight in reading the posts of those who loved and admired her. She always said that she wished she lived in the era of literary salons; she would have loved to be a salon hostess. As you can see by the rich circle that surrounded her, she admirably fulfilled this dream 21st Century Style. Please read my essay in her honor http://www.storygirltellsall@blogspot.com.
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Many of you knew Micki, so I don’t need to tell you what an active ALA member she was or that she was on this year’s Newbery Committee. On a personal note, she was a good friend of my family’s. As a child, I could see that Micki was more enthusiastic about children’s literature than any adult I knew. As an adult, I learned about the child_lit listserve and Simmons College’s program in children’s literature from her. She has truly left her mark.
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Correction. My blog is http://www.storygirltellsall.blogspot.com
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I find myself checking these blogs and posts frantically throughout the day. Just wanting to read as much as I can about how people felt about Micki. I wish so that we had one more chance to tell her just how important she was to us all. Our school is in mourning. Students and staff. Teachers are struggling to move on to teach math and host holiday parties despite feeling so sad. We long for time to just sit together, sharing stories about Micki. Students are conflicted, some crying and not wanting to go to the library to hear the holiday read aloud “Silver Packages” by Cynthia Rylant that Micki had hand picked out as the book for the 4th graders before her passing. I convinced my class, “This is what we should do. She would want to read us our story. Let’s go. We’ll be together.” As we apporach the library, the lump in my throat is so big. We sit in the picture book section and listen to a substitute do her best in a very difficult the situation. The story begins, I do not even hear it. I find myself just looking at each one of my students. Watching their behaviors and reactions. Some cannnot sit still. Others try to listen and I wonder what they are thinking. One notices a small post-it note on the back cover of the book that says “For 4th grade” and shouts out to the class, “There’s Ms.Nevett’s handwriting.” The loss is so great, I can still not even imagine what Westmere will be like without Micki.
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Judith Ridge has a wonderful tribute to Micki here:
http://www.misrule.com.au/s9y/index.php?/archives/239-My-Dear-Friend-Micki.html
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Micki’s students and staff put together a lovely exhibit at the school. I have posted a slideshow on my blog:
http://www.storygirltellsall.blogspot.com
The children are a delight; so honest and funny and sensitive. I think you will enjoy it and draw comfort from it, as we who visited it have…
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Deb,
Thank you so much for the slide show. Not only does it give us a moving glimpse of the children’s love for Micki, but a taste of her library too (and so more of Micki herself). I’ll provide a link in the post as well.
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I am also a teacher at Westmere. I met Micki the first day she started, and we immediately formed a bond of friendship and reading together. We often recommened books to each other. One of my fondest memories came early on, she wanted to bring some moe “life” to the library so she asked me to paint a mural. Being Micki, it was to be on a grand scale, encompassing the whole early reader section. Her first request was for a castle she could read by, since she had always wanted to live in a castle. She was very concerned I not paint it too dark or scary, but it needed to be magestic. I then went on to one of the Wild Things reading a book to Max, a surprise she was delighted with. Unfortunately, at that point my arthritis kept me from finishing the mural but Micki never missed a step, she quickly filled the walls with illistrations from her friends and even asked if it would hurt my feelings. That is the type of person she was, always ready to try new things, but not at the expense of the feelings of her family, friends or students. The hardest thing for me was to walk by the library and see her empty rocker under her castle, sybolizing the emptiness I felt in my heart for her daily kindnesses. I know she is in heaven, probably holding storytime and rearranging the bookshelves. The best way I have to honor her memory is to continue to share the love of books with the children and continue to dream of all the possibilities that lie ahead for me. Thank you Micki for that, I love you and miss you.
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