Eileen's Ride for Roswell Park in Buffalo

Last Saturday my daughter Eileen rode in a 20 mile bike ride for Roswell Park Hospital in Buffalo to raise money in honor of her favorite step-dad, Ed. This 15th annual event included 7,000 riders and raised 2.3 million dollars for cancer research and care. Eileen's goal was to raise and contribute $150.00 from a few family and friends, and she ended up raising $360.00 to date. We would like to genuinely thank Robyn, Patrick, Michael, Marilyn, Kate, Anonymous (I know who you are!),Thomas, John, Jan, Kristin, Katie, Jaclyn, Eric, Janie, and Marianne for their generous donations to Eileen for the cause!! You all have big hearts and we appreciate you.
If you would still care to contribute, you can donate on her "Eileen's Ride" web page for Roswell Park Hospital at; http://giving.roswellpark.org/Page.aspx?pid=614&frsid=20983
Lately we have learned that Ed's treatment, although experimental, is very encouraging and showing great success. Three drug companies have worked together to develop this special cocktail of drugs to combat Multiple Myeloma, with an extremely high rate of effectiveness.
One indication that cancer research is on the cutting edge! Thank you Eileen, family, and friends for your time, effort, love, and donations.

More Thanks to Friends & Family

Donna speaks:

June is a busy month for the Langley family. My mom and brother Scott have been working non-stop at Point Breeze Motel and Cabins in the Adirondacks to give the place a polish. Ed and I feel very frustrated not being able to lend a hand. Unfortunately beyond our control. My son in law Matt has been hired part time up north to assist my brother with a new camp roof, dock repair, and refurbishing a vintage boat house. Matt has also helped me move our old living room furniture to "Camp Chipawyck". This is the camp that my brother Jim and I are renting out to vacationers for the summer. (Because our old TV died - we were forced to purchase new living room furniture to go with our future new flat screen).
A huge thank you goes out to Linda D. for taking an entire day to go up to Indian Lake to organize and clean Camp Chipawyck. Thanks to her help, we are ready to rent. On our way to camp, Linda had dropped off a meatloaf and tray of brownies for Ed to enjoy while he kept an eye on the river at home. A very tasty dinner for the healing patient!
Thank you also to Paul and Colleen T. for having us over for a gourmet meal of salad, shish kabob and s'mores last week. A welcome evening get-a-way for us, and a chance to forget our troubles. As we left that evening we were handed a large shepherd's pie to enjoy for the next few days.
We also need to thank all my former in laws who have been constantly supporting us and checking in with us. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful extended family! Thank you to Carol and Jim F. for the Mobil gas card that has been used for the many trips to and from chemo sessions and doctor's visits.
Finally, please make sure you check past Blog entries, because Ed sometimes adds "shout outs" and "thank yous" to older posts. If you spot pictures on the blog without commentary - you will know that Ed will add his wit and wisdom later. We always appreciate your readership and support!

Wednesday Evening June 23rd

Wednesday evening, June 23, 2010

As the afternoon opens, the emotional charge of Moving Up Day begins to settle down to manageable levels, and our lives start to return to normal, whatever that is.

This afternoon I babysat for my two-month-old granddaughter for the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Little Sarah Grace Brigham was (almost) perfectly behaved and cooperative, making it a very pleasant experience. I’ll never forget these few hours!

Later we took advantage of an invitation from Sue D to visit her family’s home and complex near Schaghticoke. It turned into a wonderful evening! Sue gave us a tour of her house, and of the nearby horse barns and corral. In this, we were guided by Sue’s talented daughter, Jenna, who has developed into an amazing trainer. Using the Parelli Method of training, which seems less confrontational, and tries to develop a positive relationship between horse and owner, we watched in awe as Jenna put “Trigger” through his paces, encouraging him to enter the corral, back up, seek out the saddle, and become familiar with us. After this incredible show, our grandson Sean, age almost 6, climbed into the saddle, and Jenna led the two through their paces. Trigger seems to enjoy young people (and for that matter ALL people), and Sean experienced a great memory. Special thanks to the amazing Jenna (and Trigger), and to Sue and John, for this unforgettable treat on an emotional day.

8th Grade Graduation Wednesday June 23rd

A bittersweet day today. It's Eighth Grade Moving Up Day, the middle school equivalent of graduation, and it will be the last function ever for me at Tamarac. I grew quite attached to this year's class, and I feel the need to be there to send them to high school. I must be very careful however. My weakened immune system makes me very vulnerable to germs and infection, so I must limit my exposure to crowds and hand-shaking. Even though I'd love to offer huge greetings to all the students, past and present, I can't give my pneumonia an opportunity to make a comeback. The best I can do is give all the members of my treasured Class of 2014 a big wave. I hope they understand.

Thirty-one of my 33 years at Brittonkill were spent in Grade 8. It was about time I was promoted to the next level! Our superintendant, Lou, made sure that would happen when, early in the ceremony, he formally presented me with a Certificate of Promotion. The standing ovation I received from all present will always be one of the highlights of my life. Thank you everyone!

Near the end of the ceremony, two students offered testamonials to me, and to the other retiring grade 8 teacher, Mary L. Eighth grader Matt M gave a wonderful speech, one that I will never forget. A big thank you, Matt! At the end he called me to the podium, the curtains were drawn, and a huge banner was displayed. It contained my name, and the statement I used to wrap up morning announcements every school day for the past quarter century: "Go Out and Make It A Great Day!". Matt announced that the banner will be displayed in the Middle School cafeteria next year.

The Grade 8 Team did an incredible job putting together this year's ceremony. I was no help at all, an embarrassing admission. One cannot find better colleagues than those staff members. Special thanks go out to Beth C, Mary L, Becky T, Mike B, Michele J, and Kevin O, as well as to my replacement, Sara C, who did such an admirable job. In the office, Barb B and Carol P were no doubt instrumental, as well. I will miss you all incredibly.

Tamarac has a great future ahead. The economy will recover. Our leadership situation has stabilized, and has great plans. I find it exciting. I had always expected to help Brittonkill reach for the stars. Now, suddenly, I will not be there. It's not a good feeling, but I must choose to adjust to the realization.

Father's Day Sunday June 20th

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Dear Diary,

It started out as a welcome, quiet Father’s Day. It ended as anything but.

Sunday morning we headed to Jen’s and Matt’s for a Father’s Day brunch. Always great, since that household is filled with talented chefs! We had a wonderful time, and I was surprised with a beautiful blue-striped polo shirt. A summer staple! I’m starting a week without chemo, and that is cause for a bit of celebration.

At home in the early afternoon, we were visited by my treasured cousin Glenn, and his equally treasured wife, Lynn, who were in town from Rochester. It’s always a lift to visit with these folks, since their wry sense of humor and story-telling make for a great time. We hang out in the man-cave at river’s edge and watch the speedboats zoom by. Good tonic for any disease!

We hear a strange truck turn into the driveway. We exit the man-cave and walk out from behind the bushes. This is odd. That looks like Val D, driving. Something big and wooden rides on the bed of the pick-up.

Surprise! An incredible gift from the staff at Tamarac. A beautiful new picnic table! Glenn, Lynn, Donna, and Val unload. On top is displayed a table cloth signed by all those who donated towards this wonderful gift. I have always wanted a small table that would sit near the river, under the trees and lilacs, in the summer shade, where I can write and research, and maybe even surf the Net. A place to relax and recover. It’s an incredibly generous gift. A miracle!

Special thanks to Val, who arranged to hide the table at school, and then transport it to my home, and who worked to organize its purchase. This is typical Val, who has proved countless times before that she is a master at organizing various drives and events. With her own retirement, Tamarac is sure going to miss her. Helping her and contributing were so many supportive, wonderful friends: Patti L, Lou M, Chris S, Becky T, Amy S, Pat V, Joanne F, Michelle M, Terri M, Allison K, Lynn M, Angel J, Chris R, Christine S, Beth C, Sharon M, Sue B, Ron G, Margaret M, Carol P, Donna VZ, Jodi L, Mary D, Catie H, Linda B, Judy B, Linda D, Michele J, Helen F, Ann K, Regina B, Karen B, Barb B, Colleen P, Jeff C, Terri K, Sue S, Adam C, MaryBeth B, Rich P, Mary G, and Bonnie B. Many of the people on this list are themselves retiring, and deserve tons of recognition for their years of devotion to Tamarac.

There are no words that could possibly thank these people, and others, for all that they have done for me. They’ve lifted spirits and hearts far more than any doctor or medicine possibly could. One way to repay these folks is to make sure this table gets plenty of use. And to let them all know that, now that they are investors in, and part-owners of, a beautiful new picnic table, they are REQUIRED to come to Rexford and help use it!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Our living room TV died today. Panasonic. It was purchased in 1976 so that I could watch Jimmy Carter get elected to the presidency. It needed one repair, which was in the mid-1980's. The cost then was $40. It was on for hours every day.

Now we'll need to go out and buy a big, flat-screen TV. Who wants a monstrosity like that?

Darn. They just don't make things to last, do they?

Retirement Dinner - Saturday June 12

Grand milestone last Saturday evening - Peckster finally retired after 33 years of teaching with a total accumulation of about 350 remaining sick days he had not used! Although upset about being forced to retire due to his health issues, Ed realizes it's necessary to battle this disease. 14 outstanding educators were honored at the Franklin Terrace venue with high praise and accolades. Surrounded by his co-workers, family and friends, Ed was "roasted" by his former student, student teacher, and mentee - Christopher Michael. It was terrific catching up with current and former colleagues throughout the evening.

Ed and I had prepared speeches and power point presentations for our friends Sue, Mary, and Janet. After finding out there wasn't going to be power point equipment available at the dinner - Ed flew out the door at 3:00 in the afternoon to purchase a power point projector from Office Max which came with a free screen. A great investment. Now we can have Saturday night film festivals watching "Ben Ten Super Alien Force" with our grandson Sean.

Ed made it through the evening, but sorely paid the next day with extreme tiredness and pain.
After resting all day, we attended our niece's recital at "The Egg". What are the odds that Danielle's performance was the very first presentation! We were able to sneak out after her 10 minute stunning rendition of "Oh Baby Baby". She is American Idol bound for sure!
Home again to gear up for Ed's long chemo treatment Monday morning.




Friday, June 11, 2010

Our good friends Linda and Bill D arrive during the mid-afternoon. They have already been incredibly generous with cards and gifts, and a series of incredibly eloquent letters, but they come with still more: takeout dinners from Ma and Pa’s well-known eatery in Granville. This is one of our favorite restaurants, and we chow down like we haven’t eaten in days. Afterwards, we move to the man-cave, and watch the river and the yachts roll by. It’s a beautiful day, made even more special by this visit. It reminds me how much all of my friends have worked to raise my spirits, and how valuable one’s friends are.

Thanks to Linda and Bill, and to Ma and Pa!





Monday, June 7, 2010

My week’s vacation from chemo is over. I must say that, except for the pneumonia, I have been feeling pretty good. Now that will end.

I don’t want to be seen criticizing the chemo, however. Cancer with chemo is better than cancer without it. I have to believe it is helping. Some of my pain has begun to decline.

Some patients have a tough time with the chemo. I’m not sure why, but mine is not as tough as it is for some. The queasy stomach, the malaise, the headache, and the arthritis-like stiffness are still there, but in my case they are bearable. What’s more, I sometimes spend only an hour-and-a-half to two hours for my treatments. Some patients are tethered to their IVs considerably longer.

I count myself lucky.




Sunday, June 6, 2010

It’s party time!

A group of close friends have pooled their considerable talents to arrange for a wonderful soiree for some of Tamarac’s retirees. When our friends Marcia, Linda, and Joanne get together, you know it will be a great time. We owe them a world of thanks.

For a time, I worry that my slow recovery from pneumonia will prevent me from attending, but today I feel just well-enough to attend. And for sure, it will be a great morale booster.

The rain is heavy, but Marcia’s home is just perfect for a party. Friends have contributed enormous amounts of food, and the tables groan with the weight of confections, snacks, eats, and beverages. Everyone is upbeat. It’s a fabulous tonic.

I am able to park myself on a settee, and converse at length, often with people I am now unable to see on a regular basis, friends like Peter, Joanne, Cindy, Dave, Maryann, Irene, Craig, Sue N, Marcia, Beth, Sue B, Linda, and Val. We laugh so hard it hurts my poor bones.

At the end, we are sent home with some luscious dessert, and a touching greeting card from the hosts. It contains a bookmark that I will use often this summer to remind me of a great time.

Thanks to all who helped raise my spirits. It’s impossible to stay down for long when you are with this crew!

Monday, May 31 - Saturday, June 5, 2010

Disaster! Pneumonia!

Looks like my self-diagnosis of high heat, increasing humidity, or trouble sleeping was just slightly off.

I read somewhere that the first 3-5 days after a round of chemo is when a patient is most vulnerable to new infections. If so, this pneumonia then was right on schedule.

My night's sleep on Sunday, May 30 was very poor. There was a constant rumble in my bronchial tubes and chest, and laying in bed increased the agony. I tried to sleep sitting up, which necessitated a night-long shuffling of pillows and blankets to try to make such an act possible. It wasn't. Zero rest that night. And probably no more than that for my bride.

Monday morning, Memorial Day, (a good day to need a doctor), we made a call to my oncologist, and were directed to the emergency room at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. We spent most of the day there, fascinated as we were by the various clientel, victims of domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and lack of insurance or traditional medical care. I was very impressed with our own care, as its staff worked to ease my breathing, monitor my numbers, and determine appropriate treatment.

By evening, I felt a bit better and was discharged. I left with two cough medications and an antibiotic. Unfortunately, my improvement lasted but a short time.

For the next four nights, my condition was the same. Almost no sleep, and a constant rumble and cough, often dry. Had Samaritan struck out? Calls there advised me to continue with the medication. I was told it was the best there is.

Yesterday, Friday, June 4, I was slightly improved. The cough became productive. The chest pressure eased slightly. The medication was working, and this without any help from the destroyed immune system in my body. A big disappointment, though. Due to my illness, I was forced to forego an invitation to a luncheon at Val's FACS class at Tamarac. This is always a highly regarded affair. I felt terrible that I would miss Val, my team, and the students that I was looking forward to seeing. But I had no choice.

Today, Saturday, I am improved still more. Six hours of sleep last night! A bonanza! Cough is improved, and chest pressure reduced still more. I actually leave the house and take a short ride to the pharmacy! I finally feel like I am on the road to recovery. But it's also depressing to know that my treasured week free of chemo was wasted in a sick bed.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

To my treasured family and friends:

I am slowly recovering from my case of pneumonia. I have begun to fill in the blanks from my "lost week."

Please feel free to roll back the blog, and reveal the make-up entries I have fitted in under various dates over the past two weeks. I hope you find they make sense!

And as always, thank you for your prayers and support. They mean a lot!

Sunday June 6th - D-Day

The doctor said that lots of TLC from baby Sarah will help the cure!

I am feeling much better today, and will be starting my next round of chemo on Monday.

Thursday June 3rd Update

Ed was slightly improved today and is breathing better. He hopes to be able to update the Blog in a few days. The cats are really enjoying some serious lap time while Ed is perched in his chair! Ed however is not enjoying the felines' affection.

Pneumonia update

A quick note to say Ed is feeling slightly better. His fever has declined and his breathing is better. He still needs to sleep sitting up in a chair to breathe properly - but he actually got 4 hours sleep last night!! Huge improvement.

Memorial Day - Pneumonia Setback

Nurse Cratchett here with the latest update. You will be able to tell the difference between our posts. Ed's journaling is professional, upbeat, positive, and humorous. My posts will show my frustration, anger, negativity, rage, and poor writing skills. I have no patience with the way the Health Care System operates, and I am sure they cringe when they see me coming at the Oncologists office. As I am raging about our 2 hour wait in the Doctor's office - Ed is calmly reading his book on the French and Indian War telling me to chill out! Lessons learned from a very humble, patient. Monday morning Ed woke up with a fever and a lot of congestion. The day was spent in Samaritan Hospital's ER with Ed on oxygen, and an IV drip of heavy duty antibiotics. His immune system finally crashed. He was diagnosed with Pneumonia, with a decent white blood cell count and xrays showing it was caught early.

The nurses and doctors were terrific at Samaritan - but the clientele was a different story. This included the retching teenager with alcohol poisoning, the beaten woman who claimed her boyfriend "got it worse", a crazy woman yelling at her husband on the cell phone, and the young couple who couldn't understand how their daughter got into the bottle of cold medicine. After the 6 hour ordeal - we were sent home with yet 3 more prescriptions. This is now Tuesday late afternoon when this goes to post - and we haven't gotten much sleep. Ed's fever is increasing, and he has to sit in a chair to breathe properly, with me on the couch monitoring him. I have never seen him this ill, and we may have to return to the ER at any moment to have his white blood cell count checked. Meanwhile I internally rage on, support Ed, and marvel at his wonderful positive attitude.

Sunday, May 30, 2010: Family Birthday Party

Friday May 28 - Sunday, May 30

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Family Day today. My treasured hometown relatives travel to Rexford to help me celebrate number 59.

Janie arrives with family artifacts (an antique mailbox sign, and a ceramic pitcher well in excess of 100 years old, used by my grandmother and great-grandmother to pour pancake batter over a century ago). Also arriving in her arms were much needed additions to my library. I’m lucky to have lots of books (but not enough!) on baseball and history, but nothing on RETIREMENT. These volumes will now become the bibles for my new life.

Also here is my treasured Aunt Jean, looking as perky as ever! An inspiration. She has, with the help of cousin Glenn, located a copy of a school project, circa 1940, Roeliff Jansen Central School (“Hail! All Hail! Roe Jan!”). Inside, artwork created by my father when he was 14. Priceless and brilliant. This will be kept forever.

Nobody can perk me up like Janie and Aunt Jean.

Also here are my cousin Mark and his vivacious wife Jane. We don’t see enough of these folks, who always lift my spirits. Mark and I have a wonderful chat, relaxing in the man cave and watching the boats drift by. The day couldn’t be any more perfect!

My daughter Therese and her husband Ben arrive, and I am able for the first time to introduce my side of the family to my new grandchild, Sarah Grace Brigham. It is a thrill. The next generation is finally arriving. I’m a very proud grandpa!

Donna’s daughter Jen, her husband Matt, and their two young children Sean and Jack arrive. Jen has done so much to make this party happen, and is constantly checking on my progress. She needs to know how grateful I am. Along with food, they bring a Barnes and Noble gift certificate. When I am under "house arrest" and treatment isolation this summer, the reading that all my wonderful relatives and friends has made possible will keep me sane. Thank you!

Soon comes my sister Katie, her husband Phil, and my nephew and niece, Phil and Danielle. Things get even more lively! My sister is good at selecting unusual gifts. First comes a beer glass bearing a rare quote from a giant of American literature.

Can you identify the author?

Filled with mingled beer and amber
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain –
Quaintest thought - queerest fancies
Come to life and fade away:
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today.

Included is a handsome pen of obvious quality. This will get much use. Also, a highly appropriate Winston Churchill magnet (“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”), a trio of high quality journals, and a “pen case” of strong-box-like durability to store my writing utensils. I don’t know if my sister is aware that I have a small collection of high-quality pens, but her gift is perfect to house and display them. And I see what she is trying to do. What with handsome leather-bound and moleskin-bound journals and fancy writing instruments, she is encouraging me to professionalize my approach to writing and spurring me on. She’s the best!

Dinner is terrific. What with food left over from parties on Friday, Saturday, and today, Donna and I are well taken care of. People can’t know how much they have helped make our lives easier, and we owe everyone a world of thanks. Please know that this comes from a household that regards leftovers as TREATS. It’s true.

For our party's centerpiece, a beautiful bouquet of white daisies, striking and attractive. Like Friday's flowers, they add an emotional lift and a touch of beauty that only Mother Nature at her best can offer.

My birthday party ends with tearful goodbyes and thanks, and a lot of great memories. It was a fabulous day!

And I am very tired. Last night’s sleep was not a good one. The humidity remains high, the day very warm, and I am quite out of breath. I hope I was just lively enough at my parties to show how much I appreciated all that was done for me. I'm praying for a good night’s sleep, and trust that I’ll be as good as new tomorrow, Memorial Day.




Saturday, May 29, 2010


Feeling a bit woozy today. A weight on my chest, a shortness of breath. After-affects from the chemo? Perhaps the rising humidity making me uncomfortable? I decide to take it easy today.

Regina and Bob come by for a pleasant afternoon. It is sunny and warm, and we spend it in my man-cave, down by the water, watching yachts sail by and solving world problems. If only Obama would listen to us.

I miss everyone at school, and it’s always nice having them come by to say hello, passing on the latest scandal and lowdown. There’s nothing that perks up one’s energy and spirits and psyche like intrigue!

Special thanks to Regina and Bob.



Friday, May 28, 2010


My birthday. Number 59. Late in the morning, wife says I look very tired, and that I should take a nap. So I do.

While I slumber, mysterious things start to happen. A wonderful horde begins to gather outside my house. Car after car pulls up. They are filled with “uniformed” partiers, two enormous pizzas, a cake, gifts, greeting cards, beverages, flowers, and friends.

They proceed to make it the best birthday ever!

Tamarac people come through again. It’s impossible to stay down too long with friends like this. The day is sunny, the temp just right, and we have the greatest party ever on the lawn.

First, the blue T-shirts, special made. Everyone wears one. On the front, the statement I’ve made every morning on the PA announcements for 25 years: “Go out and make it a great day!” On the back, some of my favorite all-time quotes. For starters: Yogi Berra: “It ain’t over till it’s over!” Animal House: “We’re not gonna let you bad-mouth the United States of America!” I’ll treasure my T-shirt forever!

And an unbelievable collection of gifts! A special patriotic Yankee Candle for my man-cave from Mary Beth, along with a NY Mets bib and sippy-cups for our family’s newest Mets fan. A wonderful book on the Rolling Stones from Sue, who is well-aware of my love for British Invasion music (this will make me feel young again!). From a student comes an incredible baseball satellite digital scoreboard that will help me keep up with scores. Special thanks to Matt W and his wonderful family, who went way overboard! A six-pack of Saranac Pale Ale (the greatest!), which will make me feel better than any medicine the doctor prescribes (but Beckstar*, you probably already knew this!). A gift certificate to Barnes and Noble from Jodi (wonderful!) which will certainly be put to good use (I guess word has gotten around that I love to read, thanks Jodi!).

Lastly, but certainly not least, comes a beautiful copy of the Tamarac Middle School 2010 yearbook! What's more, it's signed by Terri, Beth, Mary, Becky, Sue, Mike, Evan, Brianna, Chris, Rich, and Sara, their words very touching and moving. I will keep this yearbook forever. Terri, it's your handsomest issue yet, a wonderful feather in your cap! Congrats!

And something else came to add a gigantic touch of elegance to our party: a big bouquet of flowers, in patriotic colors, the perfect centerpiece to this party. I love it! What a beautiful boost it provides.

And greeting cards filled with names, all wishing me the happiest of birthdays, and lifting my spirits far higher than any drug ever could. A great one from Margaret, Merry, Angel, Sue, Michelle, Judy, Bonnie, and Linda. This after spending years abusing all these poor people by using them for grade 8 isolation seats. I would have thought they’d be relieved to see me go! Another hilarious card from Carol, Conor, and Bryan that certainly fits my circumstances. Some “birthday sunshine” from Deb and Jennifer, for which I am very grateful. An incredible homemade card from Jen G (how do people create these wonderful miniature works of art?) One of the most hilarious cards I’ve ever seen, this one from Tom and Sarah! And if that wasn’t enough from that household, a “personal” birthday greeting sent by Mary Beth et all from President Obama (well done!). Also received were terrific cards from colleagues like Sue D and Lynn M, all people that are missed very much. From the elementary school came a handsome card with heart-felt words from Judy A. All a real boost!

Other staff members have sent or forwarded cards as well, one of which is in a foreign language! Special thanks go out to Brianna R, and to Ann K

And who else sends me best wishes? My wonderful eighth grade students! How I wish I could be with them, and thank them all personally. Their creativity comes through. A clever homemade birthday jigsaw puzzle-card from Maria C and Alex M (both of whom also sent personal cards!), and another from Paige M and Heather B. Beautiful! Still more puzzle cards, with a personal homemade greetings, from Samantha F and Katelyn M. I promise myself that I will assemble all these puzzles soon. Also, a wonderful homemade card from Seamus K, with a personal message, very moving. Another wonderful homemade card, filled with great personal quotes and a promise of prayers from Soleil P. Thank you Anthony G, Taylor S, Nick Z, Michael B, Samantha K, Brianna F, Halle K, Kayla F, Lee V, Brady M, Sterling K, Bob B, Joey B, Jake C, and Kirk C for your wonderful greetings, each one given a special personal touch that means so much. And a hilarious homemade card from Ariana D, surely a future cartoonist.

And there's more! Additional jigsaw puzzle cards have come in from students! It must be the latest trend. Several came already assembled, these from David N, Taylor S (who has already sent me chocolate!), and Jess M. Four more came in unassembled, and I will need to complete them before I know who sent them. Intrigue! I love it.

What's more, still more greeeting cards, some homemade and some store-bought. Each one is a beauty. Special thanks to Alex M, Rebecca D, Corrin M, Jenna E, Hannah B, Alex H, Eddie P, David N (his second!), Seth M (who knows what illness is like), Deirdre W, Jess M (her second!), Dan M, Taylor S (who always promised to take over for me!), Jacob H (the world's greatest fellow Mets fan), Matt R (who like Jake misses table-top baseball, as do I), Joe H, Kayla R, Jake E, Tom M, Connor T, Connor R, Steve L, Emily S, Anthony G, Adiya H, Ben G, Dakota N, Paige M (her second!), Heather B (her second, too!), Chris S (his second, also!), Tori, Colleen W, Amber M, Antonio D, Jenna K (who's worried that I'll forget her; I won't!), Anne D, Chelsea K, Alexis A, Makayla M, Heather C, Justin R, Jason P (a good friend), Dean W, Carissa, Kiertsen B, Megan G, Chris L (with quotes!), Zack L, Andrew E, Julie H, Joel G, Joe C, Travis S, Zack S, and Collin W.

And that’s not all. Students from the recent past haven’t forgotten me! A wonderful card from Arianna S. A homemade card from Sarah M, and another from Elissa P. I will never forget these wonderful students. In addition, a big card came signed by so many wonderful students from the past. Thank you to Jenna D, Amanda G, Cody S, D.J., Meg, Robyn C, Alex W, Marissa D, Ryan B, Joe G, Mike S, Tom C, Neil S, Cody F, Chelsea A, Jon B, Katie M, Ashley F, Dalton S, Matt P, Mark P, Lisa, Jordan, Andrew K, Ricky R, Evania O, Danielle L, Justin W, Alex C, Andrew M, Cody A, Karryn K, Zack M, Brittany S, Kevin O, Bob C, and Conor P.

So many worked to make this a memorable day, at considerable expense of time and money. What’s more, they journeyed all the way to Rexford on their afternoon off to make it possible. I will never forget what they’ve done, and how good they made me feel. Special thanks go out to Beth, Mary Beth, Mary, Becky, Mike, Kevin and Kelly (and the beautiful latest addition to their household!), Michele, Patti, Terri, Sue, Amy, Evan, Pat, and Sara, as well as to those who wanted to come but couldn’t.

This is the best I’ve felt in a long time!








TBA