The mail arrived day before yesterday. An envelope from BCM was addressed to me. I opened it to find a copy of the surgeon's letter to Aetna. It holds all of my personal information, all of my 'issues' and much more. So, the clock ticks as we wait.
One of his comments was, "I feel that this surgery can significantly improve the patient's overall health and has the potential to alleviate most, if not all, of the coexistent medical problems from which this person suffers. And, as a result, will increase the overall life expectancy as well as cut down on the health-related costs that are well documented in the literature." And, so, we are in the chute, so to speak.
An earlier comment in his letter was significant..."Failure to undergo this surgery will result in the progression of the patient's life-threatening condition." That puts it all into reality, dontcha thank?? He has informed them that an assistant surgeon will also participate due to the overall high risk. Hmmmm, and, ouch!
And, so, the weather's turned cold here today. I'm trying to kick the remnants of yuck bronchitis, so, I'm staying tucked in the house for the duration today.
Many of you have wondered where this process was/is. Now, you're in the loop and on the same page with me. As soon as I hear something, I'll post for the eyes to read.
Hope everyone's well, happy and warm. 20 here sounds cold to me...can't imagine 40 below in Alaska!! lolol
Have a super weekend.
About Me
- txspatter
- Humble, Texas, United States
- Retired educator, retired freelance photographer, retired life. I loved the classroom, laughter of the students, small successes that made them glow and the feeling of 'family' among faculty. However, job done and on to new things. Life was on 'cruise control' until March, 2004...and then, there was a halting screech, lung and heart issues and physicians galore. But, I beat the odds and HERE I AM...STILL HUFFIN' AND PUFFIN'!!! Let's see where this leads.....
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, December 19, 2008
The News You've Waited to Hear
Interesting how life works. You attempt to do everything the right way, you stumble over someone else's missed step and you end up holding the empty bag.
Due to the fact my doctor was having heart issues and dangerous procedures on the day of my November appointment, my Surgery Coordinator will submit the papers we have but expects Aetna to say...No go...only five months of visits here...do another six months.
There ya have it. Now I better comprehend how insurance companies keep their hands on their money! lolol
Tune in tomorrow forrrrr 'the resttttt of the story!' Not that there is any...I'll let ya know when Aetna says nope.
Merry Christmas to All and to All .... alot of good, fattening, delicious foods!!! Yum and yum again!!
Due to the fact my doctor was having heart issues and dangerous procedures on the day of my November appointment, my Surgery Coordinator will submit the papers we have but expects Aetna to say...No go...only five months of visits here...do another six months.
There ya have it. Now I better comprehend how insurance companies keep their hands on their money! lolol
Tune in tomorrow forrrrr 'the resttttt of the story!' Not that there is any...I'll let ya know when Aetna says nope.
Merry Christmas to All and to All .... alot of good, fattening, delicious foods!!! Yum and yum again!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Season to Remember
I have lots of first cousins, more second cousins and yes, thirds as well! Our family has always been 'close' over the years. It was just a Davis 'kinda thang' I guess. Forget the handshakes, we're a huggin' family. Doesn't matter how short or how long you've known us, get ready...you're going to be hugged!
Each summer (when I was a little girl) on the old Freedman dairy, we had cousins who'd come from the coast to visit! Bobby (Roubion) was one of the best. He'd come and he and Jim would hang out and work the 'wash barn' down the slight hill from the big 'ol white Parlor Barn.
They'd bring the cows in, stantion 7 or 8 at a time and run the wash rag over those big, full 'o milk bags, prepping the cows to walk the upward inclined ramp to fill a stantion and feed while the machine played a ryhtmical tune with them. The wash barn had exposed beams, old wood, tin, etc. and all the cousins and Jimmy carved their secrets and their names in those pieces.
One of the treasures that Bobby had rescued from that old dairy was one of the very old, rusty milk cans, with it's lid. And, one of the big milk filters that sat atop the can so the milk would funnel into the can.
I had known he had it in his garage for years. I'd beg, threaten and plead almost everytime I saw him. He and Ann lived in Clear Lake near Nancy and Donald...I was around them lots. (Probably more than they cared for!!! lolol) One day when mother and I stopped by Ann and Bob's house on our way home, he smiled and said, "I have something I want to give you." As I wondered what on earth would Bobby have for me, he opened the door to the double wide garage and smiled as he pointed at the antique milk can.
I was in shock! Yes, I took it. He didn't have to tell me twice. It now sits quietly in the front corner of my garage. And, everytime I look at it, I think of Bobby. He was diagnosed one January or February with lung cancer. It was a serious diagnosis with two or three tumors. They treated him for those and everyone held him in vigilent prayer.
It wasn't long until the cancer spread. On one of my stops by their house late that Spring, Bob looked at me, as he sat in his tv chair in the living room there, oxygen line on his face, the concentrator pumping it's rythmic pop and air sound...and he smiled a weak, sweet smile as he asked, "Pat, could you come spend some afternoons with Ann and me? Maybe watch tv with me and make me laugh some. When you're around you always make me smile and you always say funny things."
Touched by his words, I replied, "sure, I can do that, Bob." And, I did. I don't recall how many times I visited, but several. And, with each visit, I could see he had slipped a bit further the 'wrong way.' Towards September, his legs had become diminished and I would help Ann with him. We did watch tv...we sat and said nothing many afternoons, I went to his cancer doctor with them for treatment and I was there just to offer a chance of a smile.
You see, it's the holiday season and we remember so many things. We miss our loved ones and recant the things we did or the things we should have done. But, our lives move forward with a steadfast tempo and we stay the course for the next round.
Bob Roubion has a tremendous family he left behind. He and Ann have four children and many grandchildren these days.
He's just one more example of the Davis Legacy in our strong family. His mother, Aunt Lois, was so close to everyone...and, still is at age 98. No, she can't go freely or send cards or make phone calls. And, no, not all of us see her as frequently as we should, but, one more reason and example of the goodness of family.
There are many examples within the Davis Clan...Bobby was on my mind tonight as I thought of his smile and request for something so very simple. Would you come spend some time with me and make me smile.
It doesn't ever have to be complicated. And, sometimes in the hustle and bustle of every day rituals, I think many of us lose site of the real issue at hand. Slow down, share a smile and make someone (anyone) feel like a million dollars! I'm trying to do more of that these days.
I hope you will also. We've all walked a 'mile'...we've all nurtured our loved ones...and, we've all lost important people from our lives. They're never forgotten, but the lessons we learned from them are rich. As you ponder the season, the love and the things you've experienced, let go of the hassle and fretting the small stuff.
Enrich you life and that of another with a simple Random Act of Kindness. AFter you've done it, give yourself a smile and go to Starbucks!! Celebrate every day in some way...let the small aggravations fly!
Each summer (when I was a little girl) on the old Freedman dairy, we had cousins who'd come from the coast to visit! Bobby (Roubion) was one of the best. He'd come and he and Jim would hang out and work the 'wash barn' down the slight hill from the big 'ol white Parlor Barn.
They'd bring the cows in, stantion 7 or 8 at a time and run the wash rag over those big, full 'o milk bags, prepping the cows to walk the upward inclined ramp to fill a stantion and feed while the machine played a ryhtmical tune with them. The wash barn had exposed beams, old wood, tin, etc. and all the cousins and Jimmy carved their secrets and their names in those pieces.
One of the treasures that Bobby had rescued from that old dairy was one of the very old, rusty milk cans, with it's lid. And, one of the big milk filters that sat atop the can so the milk would funnel into the can.
I had known he had it in his garage for years. I'd beg, threaten and plead almost everytime I saw him. He and Ann lived in Clear Lake near Nancy and Donald...I was around them lots. (Probably more than they cared for!!! lolol) One day when mother and I stopped by Ann and Bob's house on our way home, he smiled and said, "I have something I want to give you." As I wondered what on earth would Bobby have for me, he opened the door to the double wide garage and smiled as he pointed at the antique milk can.
I was in shock! Yes, I took it. He didn't have to tell me twice. It now sits quietly in the front corner of my garage. And, everytime I look at it, I think of Bobby. He was diagnosed one January or February with lung cancer. It was a serious diagnosis with two or three tumors. They treated him for those and everyone held him in vigilent prayer.
It wasn't long until the cancer spread. On one of my stops by their house late that Spring, Bob looked at me, as he sat in his tv chair in the living room there, oxygen line on his face, the concentrator pumping it's rythmic pop and air sound...and he smiled a weak, sweet smile as he asked, "Pat, could you come spend some afternoons with Ann and me? Maybe watch tv with me and make me laugh some. When you're around you always make me smile and you always say funny things."
Touched by his words, I replied, "sure, I can do that, Bob." And, I did. I don't recall how many times I visited, but several. And, with each visit, I could see he had slipped a bit further the 'wrong way.' Towards September, his legs had become diminished and I would help Ann with him. We did watch tv...we sat and said nothing many afternoons, I went to his cancer doctor with them for treatment and I was there just to offer a chance of a smile.
You see, it's the holiday season and we remember so many things. We miss our loved ones and recant the things we did or the things we should have done. But, our lives move forward with a steadfast tempo and we stay the course for the next round.
Bob Roubion has a tremendous family he left behind. He and Ann have four children and many grandchildren these days.
He's just one more example of the Davis Legacy in our strong family. His mother, Aunt Lois, was so close to everyone...and, still is at age 98. No, she can't go freely or send cards or make phone calls. And, no, not all of us see her as frequently as we should, but, one more reason and example of the goodness of family.
There are many examples within the Davis Clan...Bobby was on my mind tonight as I thought of his smile and request for something so very simple. Would you come spend some time with me and make me smile.
It doesn't ever have to be complicated. And, sometimes in the hustle and bustle of every day rituals, I think many of us lose site of the real issue at hand. Slow down, share a smile and make someone (anyone) feel like a million dollars! I'm trying to do more of that these days.
I hope you will also. We've all walked a 'mile'...we've all nurtured our loved ones...and, we've all lost important people from our lives. They're never forgotten, but the lessons we learned from them are rich. As you ponder the season, the love and the things you've experienced, let go of the hassle and fretting the small stuff.
Enrich you life and that of another with a simple Random Act of Kindness. AFter you've done it, give yourself a smile and go to Starbucks!! Celebrate every day in some way...let the small aggravations fly!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
How Time Flies
It's been a while since I wrote here. Life got busy, doctor's appointments were flying past me, interns needed to be observed and me...I just needed to hesitate. I've done the 'six month' thing with my PCP and weight management. I managed to lose about 12 pounds.
That was a difficult time and highly challenging to me metally and emotionally. Diet six more months and then go through surgery to reduce your tummy to the size of an egg. In other words, there's change on the horizon, but we want ya to walk a fine line before you arrive.
Oh, well. I did it...and, Christmas is upon us. And, I'm enjoying some of the old time favorites! I'm awaiting word now from the Surgery Coordinator regarding a date and pre-op appointments. I have no clue how rapid the eagles will fly now.
I do know that the past few weeks have been engaging. Dealing with schedules and tripping on a 'bug' that kicked my feet out from under me complicated the past week. But, it has passed and now I move on.
And, so, no epiphany this evening, no past memories or thoughts...just the joy of the season and preparing to travel to Tampa, Florida to spend Christmas week with Michael's kiddos. They are excited and can't wait for us to arrive. I do know the car will be tilted with all the packages and such. But, it'll get on down the highway!
The one thought that rocks in my mind tonight is of Grandma Davis. She ususally ended up at our country home prior to Christmas. We did it up in grand style from top to bottom and I think it was contagious. She enjoyed the excitement of the season. One sure thing was the fact that she would open all of her gifts several days before Christmas arrived.
You ask why?
She was sure she would not make it to Christmas Eve (again, every year). She lived with a weak heart, congestive heart failure and was always frail. But, we would bring her packages and surround her at the table to celebrate her 'take' at Christmas time.
There she'd sit...plaid, cotton dress, Daniel Greene slippers, her long silvery gray hair wound up in a knot on the back of her head and her wire rimmed glasses perched on her nose. Her hands were thin with maps of blood vessels running all over the top and her stockings were pulled just below the knee and wrapped in a knot that was then tucked up into the stretched top. Oh, and her pale blue sweater would grace her shoulders to keep the 'chill off'.
She always sat crocheting pretty little doilies. And, sometimes, she made larger things. But, those two weathered, worn hands could make those knitting needles sing ... although at a constant pace. She knew all of the patterns and everything always had a different twist to it.
By the time she passed...I was told she had read the Bible through every year for the past several. I would venture to say Grandma Davis had read the Bible at least 40 times in her life and maybe more. Her goal in life was to read through the Bible every year...and, there it lay beside her bed the night she passed.
Life was never easy or gentle for her...but her faith and her Christian foundation sure imprinted on her 10 children. Due to her strong character, love of family and hard work...the Davis family turned out kinda good!
So, thanks to a tremendous role model, mother, grandmother and more. I guess I'd have to say her song today could be the old 'Wind Beneath My Wings.' Because of her excellent/constant love of family, my mother passed all that on to us.
Be careful what you do and what you say...you shape someone's character every day!!
That was a difficult time and highly challenging to me metally and emotionally. Diet six more months and then go through surgery to reduce your tummy to the size of an egg. In other words, there's change on the horizon, but we want ya to walk a fine line before you arrive.
Oh, well. I did it...and, Christmas is upon us. And, I'm enjoying some of the old time favorites! I'm awaiting word now from the Surgery Coordinator regarding a date and pre-op appointments. I have no clue how rapid the eagles will fly now.
I do know that the past few weeks have been engaging. Dealing with schedules and tripping on a 'bug' that kicked my feet out from under me complicated the past week. But, it has passed and now I move on.
And, so, no epiphany this evening, no past memories or thoughts...just the joy of the season and preparing to travel to Tampa, Florida to spend Christmas week with Michael's kiddos. They are excited and can't wait for us to arrive. I do know the car will be tilted with all the packages and such. But, it'll get on down the highway!
The one thought that rocks in my mind tonight is of Grandma Davis. She ususally ended up at our country home prior to Christmas. We did it up in grand style from top to bottom and I think it was contagious. She enjoyed the excitement of the season. One sure thing was the fact that she would open all of her gifts several days before Christmas arrived.
You ask why?
She was sure she would not make it to Christmas Eve (again, every year). She lived with a weak heart, congestive heart failure and was always frail. But, we would bring her packages and surround her at the table to celebrate her 'take' at Christmas time.
There she'd sit...plaid, cotton dress, Daniel Greene slippers, her long silvery gray hair wound up in a knot on the back of her head and her wire rimmed glasses perched on her nose. Her hands were thin with maps of blood vessels running all over the top and her stockings were pulled just below the knee and wrapped in a knot that was then tucked up into the stretched top. Oh, and her pale blue sweater would grace her shoulders to keep the 'chill off'.
She always sat crocheting pretty little doilies. And, sometimes, she made larger things. But, those two weathered, worn hands could make those knitting needles sing ... although at a constant pace. She knew all of the patterns and everything always had a different twist to it.
By the time she passed...I was told she had read the Bible through every year for the past several. I would venture to say Grandma Davis had read the Bible at least 40 times in her life and maybe more. Her goal in life was to read through the Bible every year...and, there it lay beside her bed the night she passed.
Life was never easy or gentle for her...but her faith and her Christian foundation sure imprinted on her 10 children. Due to her strong character, love of family and hard work...the Davis family turned out kinda good!
So, thanks to a tremendous role model, mother, grandmother and more. I guess I'd have to say her song today could be the old 'Wind Beneath My Wings.' Because of her excellent/constant love of family, my mother passed all that on to us.
Be careful what you do and what you say...you shape someone's character every day!!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Temendous Tooty
"What did he just say? Who is this person? How long does this last?" Those were all the comments flying around the Humble HS Auditorium on my first day In-Service as a new teacher there. The auditorium was packed to gills. Teachers, old, new, fat, skinny...restless...why are we trapped here in this uncomfortable chair?
And, then, after several boring people, the Assistant Superintendent walked to podium to give an elaborate intro to Ms. Tooty Byrd from Austin, Texas. Well, curious name, for sure. She's the Keynoter...sounds good. Okay, refreshed, refocused, bring her out!
Taaaa daaaaahhhhhhh there she was. She entered from stage left. Awe, man, who were they kiddin'? Was she 80 or a 100? She walked slowly across the stage, slowly lifted her prompts to the lecturn, laid her forearms across the wooden lecturn and engaged, "Hello, I'm Tooty Byrd." Her voice was 3 octives lower than a good man with a slow, steady Texas drawal. Speak that for second...it's funny. But, that was on purpose.
Yeah, yeah, we see ya...they fooled us. Teachers began pulling work out to put in their laps, scrambling for crossword puzzles, anything to ignore this little old lady on the stage.
Tooty stood about 5'3". She was somewhat plump, white hair, wavy all over her head, dressed very fine, and a voice that sounded just like...TOOTY BYRD!
Suddenly, she spoke. Her intro was dynamic and interesting. She was a counselor for many years in the Austin ISD. The goal of her speech was to light a fire under 1500 teachers, coaches, administrators and all. Slowly she began to set the 'hook' as she talked of her past.
Within minutes, we couldn't take our eyes off this little 'ol power packed, dynamic woman. Suddenly, we respected her and all the 'junk' disappeared from laps. Immediately she was making sense and speaking of real world stuff that had happened in her tenure as teacher/counselor.
She told stories that had us rolling in the floor with laughter as we wiped the tears from our eyes. Her stories were real and she had the knack to 'pull it off' in front of a huge crowd of disgruntled employees. As the laughter rolled, she segwayed into the heart thumper. She had us, now it was time for the real reason she was there.
She began to speak of a freshman boy that entered her high school. Tooty was, at that time, the Sophomore Counselor. The counselors there moved year by year with their grade level. They got them in ninth grade and took them to graduation.
All of the counselors' offices were housed in the hallway just beyond the main building entrance. It was that place where students could slip in a few minutes early if they chose and move to their lockers. I heard Tooty in 1981, so her experiences were from those days of goodness, trust and what do you mean 'a gang?' Those were the good days in the world of public education!!
A tall, slender Freshman boy walked past her door, early every morning. About the third day as he passed, she caught his glance as he looked in her doorway. As was her practice, she smiled and said, 'good morning. Have a good day!' The young man acknowledged her salutation every day of his life. It was as though he could not begin his day unless he walked past Tooty's office to hear a welcome from her.
The years passed, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior....and then in the middle of his Senior year, his familiar face was not walking past her door. She had never been his counselor but she wondered where he was. Did he move? Did he drop out? Was he ill?
Towards the end of that school year, the young man walked into her office and asked to speak with her. She welcomed him, curious to hear from him. They had shared smiles and good mornings for many months.
He began with, "I want to thank you." Tooty was surprised. "No need to thank me, I say good morning to lots of kiddos." His reply, "Ms. Byrd, for four years at this school, you have been the only adult to acknowledge I was alive. You have shared a smile and hello with me each time I've passed your open door. I want to thank you for encouraging me to graduate." Tooty was dumb struck. Where was he leading? All she had done was said 'good morning'.
She leaned across her desks, peering into his eyes and asked, "why are you saying this?" Without hesitation, he said, "my dad died in January of this year. He left my mom and three of us behind. I started to drop out because I needed to assume the man of the house role. But, I remembered you taking time each day to wish me a good day. Because of you, I chose to find work at night and continue here. I'm graduating with my class."
To hear Tooty share that story brought us to our knees. We had laughed at comical stories til the tears rolled, now, the tears rolled because our hearts were touched. Her kindness to a student she never knew or worked with had impacted his life.
You see, whether it's kids or adults, someone is always watching us and hearing what we say. Sometimes, it's the one in the back of the room with a newspaper stuck in his face. Be aware and share a good morning or hello with a smile.
The reason we were all humbled with her Keynote Speech was because she stood for the real reason teachers should be in the classroom. It's not about the money or the time off (they all work two and three extra jobs)...it's about the kids.
Thus, I took that little 'ol Tooty Byrd's message to heart and went into the first day fired up to the nines. I was always thankful that I was one of the teachers in Texas privileged to hear her.
She impacted me, changed my thinking about the classroom and instilled tremendous desire to positively affect students.
I can't tell you how many students received a smile and a 'hi, have a great day' from me at Humble Middle School. Ihad the best room in the building...back corner across from the amphitheatre and the exit door to the buses. I stood in that hallway between every class and threw hello to many faces.
It's never too late to bring 'light' into someone's day. I hope many of us are doing on a regular basis. We have family and friends facing challenges, dealing with health issues and much more. It's not necessary to know every detail of our friends/family, but it is necessary to pause once in a while and say 'hello'...it makes a difference!
As I departed the auditorium that day, I carried some important tools with me that Tooty handed off...respect, courage, kindness, patience, honor, hard work and more. Building blocks of character. They made me who I am today and hopefully, made some impressions on many students who walked through my door over the years.
Building blocks of life = a strong foundation. Due to that...one day closer, one day stronger. I can do Lap Band! Have a good day!
And, then, after several boring people, the Assistant Superintendent walked to podium to give an elaborate intro to Ms. Tooty Byrd from Austin, Texas. Well, curious name, for sure. She's the Keynoter...sounds good. Okay, refreshed, refocused, bring her out!
Taaaa daaaaahhhhhhh there she was. She entered from stage left. Awe, man, who were they kiddin'? Was she 80 or a 100? She walked slowly across the stage, slowly lifted her prompts to the lecturn, laid her forearms across the wooden lecturn and engaged, "Hello, I'm Tooty Byrd." Her voice was 3 octives lower than a good man with a slow, steady Texas drawal. Speak that for second...it's funny. But, that was on purpose.
Yeah, yeah, we see ya...they fooled us. Teachers began pulling work out to put in their laps, scrambling for crossword puzzles, anything to ignore this little old lady on the stage.
Tooty stood about 5'3". She was somewhat plump, white hair, wavy all over her head, dressed very fine, and a voice that sounded just like...TOOTY BYRD!
Suddenly, she spoke. Her intro was dynamic and interesting. She was a counselor for many years in the Austin ISD. The goal of her speech was to light a fire under 1500 teachers, coaches, administrators and all. Slowly she began to set the 'hook' as she talked of her past.
Within minutes, we couldn't take our eyes off this little 'ol power packed, dynamic woman. Suddenly, we respected her and all the 'junk' disappeared from laps. Immediately she was making sense and speaking of real world stuff that had happened in her tenure as teacher/counselor.
She told stories that had us rolling in the floor with laughter as we wiped the tears from our eyes. Her stories were real and she had the knack to 'pull it off' in front of a huge crowd of disgruntled employees. As the laughter rolled, she segwayed into the heart thumper. She had us, now it was time for the real reason she was there.
She began to speak of a freshman boy that entered her high school. Tooty was, at that time, the Sophomore Counselor. The counselors there moved year by year with their grade level. They got them in ninth grade and took them to graduation.
All of the counselors' offices were housed in the hallway just beyond the main building entrance. It was that place where students could slip in a few minutes early if they chose and move to their lockers. I heard Tooty in 1981, so her experiences were from those days of goodness, trust and what do you mean 'a gang?' Those were the good days in the world of public education!!
A tall, slender Freshman boy walked past her door, early every morning. About the third day as he passed, she caught his glance as he looked in her doorway. As was her practice, she smiled and said, 'good morning. Have a good day!' The young man acknowledged her salutation every day of his life. It was as though he could not begin his day unless he walked past Tooty's office to hear a welcome from her.
The years passed, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior....and then in the middle of his Senior year, his familiar face was not walking past her door. She had never been his counselor but she wondered where he was. Did he move? Did he drop out? Was he ill?
Towards the end of that school year, the young man walked into her office and asked to speak with her. She welcomed him, curious to hear from him. They had shared smiles and good mornings for many months.
He began with, "I want to thank you." Tooty was surprised. "No need to thank me, I say good morning to lots of kiddos." His reply, "Ms. Byrd, for four years at this school, you have been the only adult to acknowledge I was alive. You have shared a smile and hello with me each time I've passed your open door. I want to thank you for encouraging me to graduate." Tooty was dumb struck. Where was he leading? All she had done was said 'good morning'.
She leaned across her desks, peering into his eyes and asked, "why are you saying this?" Without hesitation, he said, "my dad died in January of this year. He left my mom and three of us behind. I started to drop out because I needed to assume the man of the house role. But, I remembered you taking time each day to wish me a good day. Because of you, I chose to find work at night and continue here. I'm graduating with my class."
To hear Tooty share that story brought us to our knees. We had laughed at comical stories til the tears rolled, now, the tears rolled because our hearts were touched. Her kindness to a student she never knew or worked with had impacted his life.
You see, whether it's kids or adults, someone is always watching us and hearing what we say. Sometimes, it's the one in the back of the room with a newspaper stuck in his face. Be aware and share a good morning or hello with a smile.
The reason we were all humbled with her Keynote Speech was because she stood for the real reason teachers should be in the classroom. It's not about the money or the time off (they all work two and three extra jobs)...it's about the kids.
Thus, I took that little 'ol Tooty Byrd's message to heart and went into the first day fired up to the nines. I was always thankful that I was one of the teachers in Texas privileged to hear her.
She impacted me, changed my thinking about the classroom and instilled tremendous desire to positively affect students.
I can't tell you how many students received a smile and a 'hi, have a great day' from me at Humble Middle School. Ihad the best room in the building...back corner across from the amphitheatre and the exit door to the buses. I stood in that hallway between every class and threw hello to many faces.
It's never too late to bring 'light' into someone's day. I hope many of us are doing on a regular basis. We have family and friends facing challenges, dealing with health issues and much more. It's not necessary to know every detail of our friends/family, but it is necessary to pause once in a while and say 'hello'...it makes a difference!
As I departed the auditorium that day, I carried some important tools with me that Tooty handed off...respect, courage, kindness, patience, honor, hard work and more. Building blocks of character. They made me who I am today and hopefully, made some impressions on many students who walked through my door over the years.
Building blocks of life = a strong foundation. Due to that...one day closer, one day stronger. I can do Lap Band! Have a good day!
They Impacted My Life
Somehow, through the halls of Junior High School, it became appearant to me that I would be a teacher. Why? I'm not sure. There was Mrs. Yancy (6th grade) who couldn't keep her left bra strap up on her shoulder. Her continuous motion of reaching across to reset that strap drove me crazy! 7th grade, Mrs. Kitchens...Social Studies. She knew her stuff, held my attention and actually taught me some stuff.
As I reflect today, however, two dynamic individuals made wide treadmarks on my life. For some reason through third grade, I hated school, was fearful of 'them' and wished to be at home, on the farm. But when I entered fourth grade, a blessing walked into my life. It was Mrs. Brode. She was elegant, kind, patient and so very nurturing. Somehow she knew how to warm your heart and enable you to engage at peace. I never feared her, her classroom or her assignments. It was just a safe harbor for me every morning of the fourth grade year. She impacted my young life and earned my love.
Second tremendous teacher (and I've written of her in the past) was Mrs. Mabel Legg, Senior English at LaVega High School. She was LaVega High School. She stood perhaps 5'4", slightly rounded shoulders, gray hair pulled back, loosely, and she appeared as gentle and kind as my grama Davis. Her thin, wire rim glasses hugged her face and her pale blue sweater graced her shoulders. She was slight in frame and moved gently about the classroom. She had a Teacher's Edition, but it was just for looks! Mrs. Legg had that entire text book memorized. Simply amazing and truly something to witness as we moved through our Literature book.
Those two teachers planted the vision within me to become an educator. Notice I said 'educator'. I believe the 'best' teachers in the world were/are those who are educating the whole child. They are not simply teaching a lesson for the day to earn one more dollar..they are teacher, counselor, surrogate parent, friend, safety and so much more to the student. I'm speaking especially about the K-8 grade level.
Once I entered the 'realm' of the classroom, I had a personal mission to impact childrens' lives. Many students arrived on campus all together and 'with it' for the day. They came from solid homes, sound parents and a life that enriched them at different levels. Those kiddos were energized and could be strong assistants in a classroom, creating a dynamic climate and culture for the period. We were in 'learning mode'.
Other students arrived at the door in bits and pieces, tired, hair needing a good wash, scruffy looking in their clothes and totally confused about life in general. Those were the students who needed a safe harbor to land in once a day. That was one of my most important goals as a classroom teacher. Create an inviting environment, engage in learning and share some smiles throughout.
They say if you hear from one student throughout life that says 'thank you' for being my teacher...you have experienced success. I often wondered about that until the day Karen Donnelly walked into my office at Connally Jr. High.
As I lifted my eyes from my desktop to see if someone had crept in behind me, I was somewhat startled. There was this beautiful young lady, standing with a sweet smile across her lips. Her blue eyes twinkled and she lifted a finger as she pointed at me saying, "you don't remember me, do you Coach Freedman? You were always so bad at names!" Well, that was true. But, there was something about her and the voice.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightening flew across my gray matter. B A M!! I said, very cautiously, "Karen Donnelly? Is that you?" She shook her head and the smile broadened as she bent over to hug my neck. I was completely in shock and awe. Had she come to 'do me in' or what?
Karen played basketball for me and ran track...7th/8th grade. She ran the 880 which was two laps around the track. I put her through challenging workouts daily, she had to meet certain times at various points of her runs. But, she was a strong minded gal. One day she didn't care for her workout and walked to middle of the football field to fall face down kicking and flailing arms as she cried/screamed I hate track.
Calmly... I walked towards her and began to encourage her to (save her life) stand up, get control and go on to the dressing room. Her workout was over before it started that day. With hesitance she went, frequently throwing glances back over her shoulder at me and the other coaches running workouts from the starting line.
That weekend, she made her move for retaliation. We were at Gatesville HS, Junior High Track Meet. Karen was an eighth grader. I had her warmed up and primed...reminded her to be on her toes and get in the right 'heat' as they called them out. There she stood, on the football field, a few yards back from the starting line. Where was I? I was leaning on the fence down at the final turn with stop watch in hand. I timed my kids as they ran their heats to know where we were.
I heard, "Runners to your marrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkk, Readdddyyyyyy, BAMMMM" and they were off. It was a flying first 220 around the first curve and on to the final curve. There I stood in disbelief. Karen Donnelly was flying...awesome...great time...big 'ol smile on her face as shouted, "See, Coach, I told you how good I was, you shoulda listened at practice." She threw her hand up and waved at me and I smiled awaiting her second turn around that final curve. As she waved the second time, I shouted, "great job, be sure and tell them you are an 8th grader though, you're in the 7th GRADE HEAT!!"
As she slowed and almost stumbled, I added...."And, Karen, finish the race...do not stop!!!" She finished, she had great dislike for me for a couple of weeks and finally, her parents relocated. Bye-bye!
Five years later, there she stood. Finally I said, "what brings you here Karen? We didn't always agree, did we?" She smiled and replied in a somewhat humble tone of voice, "No, I threw tantrums and didn't always listen. But, we left here and moved to Spring, Texas. I ran track there, Coach, and I have a scholarship to college now." I was elated to hear that...before I could respond, she added, "I've come back to say Thank You. You were tough on me...but because of you, I was successful." Those were tremendous comments and compliments. She was the first of three throughout my career to acknowledge "I made a difference."
At retirement, they made a special Book of Memories. I'm not sure about you, but I always wondered after everything, how'd I do? One of the Assistant Principal's in the district wrote the following to me:
"Pat - Best, best wishes for a grrreatt retirement! I'm sure you will begin a new career (doing something) because it's hard to keep you off of the track and not giving something a 100% whether it's a job, a cause, a service, etc. You always do a good job at whatever you do - your people skills are sincere and very strong, as well. Character Ed. is a valuable tool in education and thanks to you, it is a strong program among us!
Thanks for all of these years!" Love, MD
I had arrived. I'd been there, done that and perhaps gave it 'my bestest shot'! There were other kind remarks, but those individuals were sincere folks...not game players. I tried. I loved it. I earned the 'formula' and I changed directions.
Backgrounds, family experiences, friends and life experiences enable us to travel our destinations. Some are done well and some, perhaps we could have done a little better.
I'm one day closer to surgery. One day closer to Lap Band. One day closer to serious life change. One day closer to a new phase of my life.
Perhaps in late January, I'll be reflecting upon the experience of surgery. But, through it all, when I pause and let my mind roam, I find niches of my past that bring me back to a complete 5'8" and allow me to go again.
I hope someone in your life made a tremendous impact on you. More so, I hope you have told someone 'thank you' for caring. It's never too late to make a 'mark' on someone's day. Think about it...what will you say?
As I reflect today, however, two dynamic individuals made wide treadmarks on my life. For some reason through third grade, I hated school, was fearful of 'them' and wished to be at home, on the farm. But when I entered fourth grade, a blessing walked into my life. It was Mrs. Brode. She was elegant, kind, patient and so very nurturing. Somehow she knew how to warm your heart and enable you to engage at peace. I never feared her, her classroom or her assignments. It was just a safe harbor for me every morning of the fourth grade year. She impacted my young life and earned my love.
Second tremendous teacher (and I've written of her in the past) was Mrs. Mabel Legg, Senior English at LaVega High School. She was LaVega High School. She stood perhaps 5'4", slightly rounded shoulders, gray hair pulled back, loosely, and she appeared as gentle and kind as my grama Davis. Her thin, wire rim glasses hugged her face and her pale blue sweater graced her shoulders. She was slight in frame and moved gently about the classroom. She had a Teacher's Edition, but it was just for looks! Mrs. Legg had that entire text book memorized. Simply amazing and truly something to witness as we moved through our Literature book.
Those two teachers planted the vision within me to become an educator. Notice I said 'educator'. I believe the 'best' teachers in the world were/are those who are educating the whole child. They are not simply teaching a lesson for the day to earn one more dollar..they are teacher, counselor, surrogate parent, friend, safety and so much more to the student. I'm speaking especially about the K-8 grade level.
Once I entered the 'realm' of the classroom, I had a personal mission to impact childrens' lives. Many students arrived on campus all together and 'with it' for the day. They came from solid homes, sound parents and a life that enriched them at different levels. Those kiddos were energized and could be strong assistants in a classroom, creating a dynamic climate and culture for the period. We were in 'learning mode'.
Other students arrived at the door in bits and pieces, tired, hair needing a good wash, scruffy looking in their clothes and totally confused about life in general. Those were the students who needed a safe harbor to land in once a day. That was one of my most important goals as a classroom teacher. Create an inviting environment, engage in learning and share some smiles throughout.
They say if you hear from one student throughout life that says 'thank you' for being my teacher...you have experienced success. I often wondered about that until the day Karen Donnelly walked into my office at Connally Jr. High.
As I lifted my eyes from my desktop to see if someone had crept in behind me, I was somewhat startled. There was this beautiful young lady, standing with a sweet smile across her lips. Her blue eyes twinkled and she lifted a finger as she pointed at me saying, "you don't remember me, do you Coach Freedman? You were always so bad at names!" Well, that was true. But, there was something about her and the voice.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightening flew across my gray matter. B A M!! I said, very cautiously, "Karen Donnelly? Is that you?" She shook her head and the smile broadened as she bent over to hug my neck. I was completely in shock and awe. Had she come to 'do me in' or what?
Karen played basketball for me and ran track...7th/8th grade. She ran the 880 which was two laps around the track. I put her through challenging workouts daily, she had to meet certain times at various points of her runs. But, she was a strong minded gal. One day she didn't care for her workout and walked to middle of the football field to fall face down kicking and flailing arms as she cried/screamed I hate track.
Calmly... I walked towards her and began to encourage her to (save her life) stand up, get control and go on to the dressing room. Her workout was over before it started that day. With hesitance she went, frequently throwing glances back over her shoulder at me and the other coaches running workouts from the starting line.
That weekend, she made her move for retaliation. We were at Gatesville HS, Junior High Track Meet. Karen was an eighth grader. I had her warmed up and primed...reminded her to be on her toes and get in the right 'heat' as they called them out. There she stood, on the football field, a few yards back from the starting line. Where was I? I was leaning on the fence down at the final turn with stop watch in hand. I timed my kids as they ran their heats to know where we were.
I heard, "Runners to your marrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkk, Readdddyyyyyy, BAMMMM" and they were off. It was a flying first 220 around the first curve and on to the final curve. There I stood in disbelief. Karen Donnelly was flying...awesome...great time...big 'ol smile on her face as shouted, "See, Coach, I told you how good I was, you shoulda listened at practice." She threw her hand up and waved at me and I smiled awaiting her second turn around that final curve. As she waved the second time, I shouted, "great job, be sure and tell them you are an 8th grader though, you're in the 7th GRADE HEAT!!"
As she slowed and almost stumbled, I added...."And, Karen, finish the race...do not stop!!!" She finished, she had great dislike for me for a couple of weeks and finally, her parents relocated. Bye-bye!
Five years later, there she stood. Finally I said, "what brings you here Karen? We didn't always agree, did we?" She smiled and replied in a somewhat humble tone of voice, "No, I threw tantrums and didn't always listen. But, we left here and moved to Spring, Texas. I ran track there, Coach, and I have a scholarship to college now." I was elated to hear that...before I could respond, she added, "I've come back to say Thank You. You were tough on me...but because of you, I was successful." Those were tremendous comments and compliments. She was the first of three throughout my career to acknowledge "I made a difference."
At retirement, they made a special Book of Memories. I'm not sure about you, but I always wondered after everything, how'd I do? One of the Assistant Principal's in the district wrote the following to me:
"Pat - Best, best wishes for a grrreatt retirement! I'm sure you will begin a new career (doing something) because it's hard to keep you off of the track and not giving something a 100% whether it's a job, a cause, a service, etc. You always do a good job at whatever you do - your people skills are sincere and very strong, as well. Character Ed. is a valuable tool in education and thanks to you, it is a strong program among us!
Thanks for all of these years!" Love, MD
I had arrived. I'd been there, done that and perhaps gave it 'my bestest shot'! There were other kind remarks, but those individuals were sincere folks...not game players. I tried. I loved it. I earned the 'formula' and I changed directions.
Backgrounds, family experiences, friends and life experiences enable us to travel our destinations. Some are done well and some, perhaps we could have done a little better.
I'm one day closer to surgery. One day closer to Lap Band. One day closer to serious life change. One day closer to a new phase of my life.
Perhaps in late January, I'll be reflecting upon the experience of surgery. But, through it all, when I pause and let my mind roam, I find niches of my past that bring me back to a complete 5'8" and allow me to go again.
I hope someone in your life made a tremendous impact on you. More so, I hope you have told someone 'thank you' for caring. It's never too late to make a 'mark' on someone's day. Think about it...what will you say?
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