My mom loved children. She spent 17 years as an early childhood educator, making sure that every single kid–even and especially the rascals–had a loving presence who also really connected with and supported their families. She was especially talented at integrating music and movement in her classes, making even the shy kids want to get up and get engaged. My mom’s legacy is with me every day as I teach in a Title I Oakland public school, a place where I seek to be a source of light and unconditional love for others the way my mom was for so many.

But it wasn’t just in the educational realm, that my mom abundantly blessed others. Wherever she went, she brought her deeply human way of relating, whether through music, serving a meal, or just taking the time for a real conversation. Even when she had her own challenges in life, she never hesitated to help someone else with theirs. She believed it made her burden lighter and I think she was right.

A San Francisco native, she was a proud, forever fan of both the 49ers and the Warriors. A total goofball, she loved cheering, making silly faces, offering a joke or a song. She was the life of every party.

That’s why I want to throw her the best sendoff party ever. Those who were blessed by her want to bless one another by remembering her delight and her dedication. She will be looking down smiling on our happy tears.

If you’re able, please help me throw a celebration of her incredible life.

Thank you all, we love you.

- Debbie’s/Bubbly’s Kids (Melanie & Raheem)