We Are Not Our Data

From the Hardin-Simmons University faculty roster from 2004-2005:

JOE W. DARNALL, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology; B.A., 1958, M.A., 1962, Ph.D., 1966, Baylor University; Post Doctoral study, University of Indiana Medical School, Institute of Psychiatric  Research 1969-1970. (Since 1975.) 

From the Abilene-Reporter News:

Dr. Joe W. Darnall, 74, died Tuesday, May 31, 2011. Arrangements pending with The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

We are not our data, initials after names,
titles, honors, prestige. We cannot be splayed
on lines of type, in ink on paper,
pixels on a screen. We are not our data.


We are the influence on a pupil decades past,
an arm on a shoulder of a child now grandfather,
the encompassing embrace of a nestling great-grandchild,
a wife who can muse, "I know he's Up There 
laughing at me for being so silly!" comforted 
by three generations of Joe surrounding her, loving her.


Our legacy is not our data,
 but the seeds of life
we planted, cultivated, and nourished.






(for toB)