Yet Another Anniversary

“I’m gonna start living again if it kills me,
If it’s the very last thing I do…”

By Dave Edmunds from Twangin', 1981.

Ok, not to jinx myself (like I did last time) BUT...this weekend is an anniversary of sorts for me.

One year ago yesterday I had OPEN HEART SURGERY and survived it.

My, oh my; how the time has flown by. Since then, I have gained some weight back, lost a cat to renal failure, found myself separated, gained two new cats, re-discovered Heavy Metal Music, finished my PUB/DINING Room, and decided to take a journey to find myself.

Talk about the Re-Discovery of one’s self.

Yet, I am happy.

So here’s to all of you. I toast you now with a pint of Hacker-Pschorr Weiss.

To My Mom and Dad who were very supportive on the surgery and when Pam and I separated. Here’s to you both—good health and longevity to you both. Dad and Mom care about their kids and about each other. They understand family.

To My Brother Mark and his new found career in Florida. When you publish the book, if you fail to mention me, I will cry like a werewolf of London. Also to his lovely wife Mary, thanks as she deserves a great deal of praise for being the most tolerant in the family.

To my Sister Karen, bless her for watching over me—especially when I was sick. She and I agree with each other more and more and she still cares enough to check up on me. Her husband Bud has been a saint to her and his family. Also I give thanks to my niece Angela and Fred and their newly born son Hunter—who rested so peacefully in my arms. Also to my nephew Matthew and his new found calling as a chef.

To Pam, we still care for one another, even if it is not in the same way we once did. Thanks for helping me to heal and showing me the courage to move forward.

To my Uncle Dan and my Aunt Dar—thanks for the beer, the laughs, the guidance and the fun.

To my college roommate and close friend, Keith thanks for the fun, the laughs, and the football.

To My good friend Milt and his wife Barb--thanks for the support.

To my mentor and Department Chair, Gene, thanks for the guidance and for the emotional support—I know I have had to be a “bear” the last few months. I try not to let you or the district down.

To Jeff, I want to say thanks for the Super Bowl memories and for being such a good friend.

To my student teachers Carrie, Shelia, Phil, Shane, Carrie, Amy, Alison, Erin, and Jessie—thank you for carrying on my “legacy” of sorts. You are the true testaments of my career and I am proud of each of you.

To my students—you give me a purpose and a calling—thank you all.

For my friends, bless you all. You are too numerous to mention, but I know Joe, Pete, Lou Ann, Tim, Jon, Dan, and a few others check in now and again.

For my Co-Workers, thanks for the support and thanks for the caution. I can be a prick, yet that is what is so endearing as well, no? Well, maybe not, so I will try to be nicer.

To the good doctors and nurses (especially Doctor Jim McCrisken and Doctor Ruel Wright and the nurses Heidi, Joannie, and Cheryl), I owe you my life—thanks for all you did and continue to do.

And lastly to Foggy the Three-Legged Wonder Cat, to Guinness the Maine Coon Love Cat, and to Chumley the Tuxedo Fat Cat—thanks for being a part of my life and for allowing me to accept you as part of the family.

Sniff, Sniff—I feel like an academy awards speaker. Needless to say, I hope I never leave anyone out. You all mean a great deal to me.

Now back to living and the beauty of life itself…