Choices

The best thing about living where and when we do is that we always have choices.  Although this can be overwhelming, it is a huge benefit.  The excuse "I had no choice" is rarely, if ever, true.  My son and his wife are expecting a baby in a few weeks, and she is having some complications.  Thank goodness we have the technology to diagnose and treat so many different things that can go weird with our bodies.  Unfortunately, her doctor has a horrible bedside manner and alternates between scaring her and minimizing her concern. None of which is helping her condition and much of which is adding stress that is making her blood pressure go up - another complication.  Instead of fretting and complaining, she decided yesterday to change doctors. She had encountered a compassionate, competent and proactive doctor while spending time in the ER last weekend.  She called yesterday for an appointment and he moved things around and fit her in.  Although she is so close to delivering, she still had a choice.  I'm proud of her for making that decision.

Seniors

The best think about teaching seniors is that I get to see them at a pivotal time in their lives.  Although senioritis is a huge problem this time of year, I still love teaching them.  It is interesting to see how some can't wait to get out and get on with the business of living and how some wish they could stay in the high school bubble a little bit longer.  The day they have been looking forward to for thirteen years has finally arrived. There are so many lasts:  the last school dance, the last essay, the last AP test.  For a few, the last day of school. (Hopefully not for too many!)

Some of these 17 and 18 year old kids pursue their dreams at a pace that simultaneously makes me impressed and tired.  They are talented and driven.  For some, high school has been the perfect place to shine and grow, but for others, their passions and talents are often put on hold to jump through the high school hoops.  I wish them all well, and am glad I got to share a little bit of this time with them.

2014

Around last October, I vowed that 2014 would bring a wedding or a baby to one of my children.  One of either would have thrilled me! That hope has been realized beyond anything I could have imagined.  My son Dan and his wife Michelle are expecting their first child next month - a boy.  My son Bobby and his wife Katie are expecting their first child in July - another boy.  My daughter Carly got engaged on her 20th birthday and is getting married to Sam on August 8th.  A week ago, my son Anthony got engaged to Megan and is getting married on August 30th.  It is going to be an exciting summer for our family, and I can't wait.  As a parent, nothing is better than seeing your kids move forward with their lives and their plans.  Although my daughter Jaime is already married and has her kids, she is also having a great year - with her husband's career really taking off and a new job as a substitute teacher.  They are planning a trip to Disney World in between all the festivities.

The best thing is that my children are all friends.  They love, support, and accept each other.  They can count on each other, whether it is financial support for a business venture, help making wedding decorations, or just someone to hang out with.