Lawrence E. Jones Middle School

At this moment, I can't express my emotions in words. Honored, proud, estatic, humbled, sad, happy....everything.

The city of Rohnert Park has come through again to show their appreciation for the contributions that my dad has made to their community.

Due to budgetary issues the two middle schools in RP are combining. Instead of keeping one of their names, they have decided to rename it Lawrence E. Jones Middle School.

I LOVE IT!! How amazing!! Thank you so much for respecting my dad. I just wish he could have been here to receive it.

But, the first thing I thought about was my dad's promise to me. He and I had a running joke about my 40th birthday present. For his 40th birthday I made him a certificate that told him that he was officially over the hill and insisted that 40 was old. He was TICKLED by it all. He told me, "You just wait". He had a birthday surprise for me for my 40th. And, each year, he'd remind me about that.

I've had a hard time writing because of this. My dad has occupied so much of my thoughts and memories. Not all of it is bad, but my birthday weighed heavy on my heart because less than a month ago I had my first birthday without my dad. Ironically, the first birthday of mine that he missed happened to be my 40th birthday.

But, at this very moment, I feel like he delivered on his promise. Thanks for the hug Pops, and to CRPUSD. I receive this gift with honor and now feel like I've received my gift!!

God bless, Tracy