The Future is Bright!

My Mom taught and helped shape the future of countless children throughout her career of 27 years.  She cared for them as her own from 6 weeks old until she ushered them off to kindergarten, but always kept in touch with the parents and children as she watched them grow in their future endeavors.  Not a day goes by that I don’t receive a message, a phone call or see a Facebook post from the parents or children themselves, even the original crew from when she started her career. 

It is very refreshing to watch them all grow into the fine individual’s they are as they continue in their success each day. 

One thing that stands out is remembering my Mom receiving countless phone calls from the parents whose children went from her care to kindergarten.  Each and every one of them called to thank her as their child was specially recognized for already knowing their ABC’s and 123’s as well as knowing how to spell their name and write their address. 

I have to laugh as I recall her teaching the children their letters and she would have them write them over and over until they got it perfect.  The letter ‘G’ was always a struggle for the kids and they would sit there and show my Mom and much of their conversation went like the below:

Child: “Kathy I am done with my letters, can I go play now?”

Mom: “Hmm, again – here is another sheet of paper.”

Child: *Sighs* “Kathy how many more times before I can go play?”

Mom: “That’s up to you, write them correctly and you can go play; you know what to do so don’t be sloppy.”

Child: *mumbles under breath* “This is no fun.”

Mom: “What was that?”

Child: “Nothing, Kathy – just doing my letters :->”

Mom: “uh-huh, remember I have all day so please feel free to take your time.”

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It was more than just letters and numbers that she taught as she had them write over and over.  Subliminally, she taught them not to settle and take the easy (sloppy) way out and to take pride in all the work they do, no matter what. 

Over the past few weeks I’ve smiled as I see Facebook posts on some accomplishments of the children under Mom’s care before she passed away; Tina, Mason and Michael.  Tina was still under Mom’s care and had not gone off to school yet, but Mason and Michael went on however came back for the summer!  Tina and Mason recently graduated and are to the next chapter and Michael continues to do well in school as well as making great strides with his sled hockey team, proving to be a leader and now captain of his team. 

As the school year closes, I see how the children she cared for continue to move on successfully; all of them, dating back to the first crew she cared for up until the last crew over a 27 year time frame.  It is comforting to me knowing that so many children will help make the future bright and it all started with my Mother’s care.  He work may have been cut short, but her legacy lives on through all she cared for.  I know she watches over all of them and no doubt bragging up above and smiling. 

Congratulations to all she cared for as you continue in your success and the future is indeed bright.      

Band-Aids are fun and worth a writing piece, right?

Growing up we never had the boring Band-Aid’s in the house; we always had the fun cartoon character ones.  My Mom always had the fun one’s stocked for the kids and when she needed a Band-Aid she would sport the cartoon ones loud and proud. 

I didn't intend to go grocery shopping last night, but needed Neosporin and a Band-Aid so I found myself at the grocery store. 

I finished my grocery shopping and almost forgot my original need for Neosporin and Band-Aids, but quickly remembered.  In the aisle the boring Band-Aids were cheaper, but the SpongeBob Band-Aids caught my eye.  I thought to myself, Mom would have picked the SpongeBob ones as she was a fan.  I threw them in the cart, grabbed Neosporin and started to walk away until I saw Mickey Mouse ones.  Mom loved Mickey Mouse too as her Birthday was November 18^th same as Mickey Mouse.  I held them both in my hand and quietly said to myself, what would Mom do?  Which did she like more?  Just then I saw the price and it said 3 boxes for $5.47 and save $3.00.  She was a bargain shopper so I decided on both and one more to choose as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ones caught my eye for Brother! 

Mission accomplished.  

Freedom Isn't Free

An extra day off, BBQ’s and fun times at what we in New Jersey call “the shore,” but it is important to recognize the significance of Memorial Day. 

It is a dedication and time to remember all those who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom as well as their families.  I am very grateful to still have my Father who served several tours in Vietnam, while he eventually came home unfortunately he had some baggage that came home with him. 

Throughout his time serving he built friendships that would last a lifetime.  As duty called many of those friends became fallen heroes.  My Father persisted on through the pain of losing those close to him and continued to fight in their honor.  He became injured during his time, but as soon as he received clearance he was back on the line.  He received a Purple Heart for his heroic efforts and very well deserved. 

Last, but certainly not least the biggest heartache for him was in losing his family.  He married a Vietnamese lady while on tour and also welcomed his first Daughter into the world.  He counted the days until he could come back home to the United States with his beautiful family.  After a long day at battle, he looked forward to going to home to be with his family.  While his home was merely a hut pretty much just good for sleeping, it didn't matter he had everything he needed.  As he approached his hut he was heartbroken to find out that it was bombed earlier that day and his Wife and Daughter did not survive.   

After his final tour ended, my Father came home, alone.  However shortly after he met a Lady in a dive bar in Brooklyn, NY.  He was so nervous throughout their entire conversation, but built the courage up to ask her on a date.  She said yes and a year later they were married and stated a new family of their own.  My Mother “Mothered” my Father for over 36 years, but unfortunately passed away at the young age of 55. 

I could never replace my Mother, but my Father still needs guidance and care so I find myself playing the role of “Little Mother.”  While he is a pest sometimes (most of the time) I wouldn't trade it for anything.  His love, support and dedication he has toward my Brother and I is priceless.  He may be a pest, but he is our pest and we thank him for all he did and continues do to for us.  

Happy Memorial Day to all, remember the true reason!      

Zero to Twenty Seven Seconds

I remember as a little tike when Mother, Brother and I trekked through the crowds of New York City to arrive at Rockefeller Center to see the tree, but it was jam packed.  It was my first tree visit, I was about two feet tall and I figured we would never see the tree in person until I heard my Mother say "hold hands and let's go!"  

We moved through the crowds so fast our hats flew off and I was worried my little glasses would be bumped off my face, but we arrived in twenty seven seconds as my Mother led us troops to the front foot of Rockefeller Center.  As she held me up, I adjusted my little glasses and saw the beautiful tree.

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You could take My Mother out of New York, but you could not take New York out of Mother. 

Point Two

“If you want to run, run a mile.  If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.” - Emil Zatopek

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People often comment to me, “You ran a Marathon – how long is that?”

“26.2 miles” I reply

“Wow, 26 miles.” They often comment back.

“No, 26.2 miles” I reply

They usually answer back with “Yeah, 26 miles – that’s what I said.”

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It is generally a lost cause for further discussion beyond that point, however if you've ever ran a Marathon then you can relate.

Historically the 26.2 mile distance was established at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France as the official marathon distance.  Mathematically 26.2 miles is equal to 26 miles plus 385 yards, or 42.16 kilometers.  Furthermore, anyone can run 26 miles, but the .2 is a defining moment.

At the 26 mile marker you can see the finish line, but at that point it looks just as far away from when you stood at the start line, but you persist on.  The mind becomes racing with thoughts – will I set a new personal record (PR)?  Why is there always an incline at the end of the course?  Why do people always yell “You’re almost there” when we all know almost does not count?  

.2 miles or 385 yards does not seem like a long distance when you say it so you make like a bullet and run as fast as you can.  You still see the finish line, but it appears as a banner in front of you as if you were running on a treadmill looking at it.  You misjudged how far that .2 actually is to be running so fast, but you can’t slow down now.  Seconds later, the moment you've waited for arrives and you cross the finish line.

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As you can see there is a lot more to that .2 distance so the next time you hear a runner say the Marathon is 26.2 miles don’t round down to 26.  And if you’re still not convinced, throw on your sneakers and experience the Journey yourself and you’ll see just how significant that .2 is.  

I know you have to run so not to hold you up, but ..

Victor Hugo wrote the following words, “When a woman is talking to you, listen to what she says.”

Grandma T certainly had the gift of gab; there was never a moment of silence that passed through her lips, but the beauty of it was not just the fact that she would sit with you for hours and hours and hours telling stories, but that those stories had meaning and she always told a story with a passion and spark.  They were words put together about the things and people she loved the most and were important to her.  Through her gift of “gab,” all who sat with her or spoke on the phone were given the gift to listen.

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She loved her Dunkin Donuts coffee.  I spent many Sunday mornings with Grandma T; they were our coffee Sunday times!  She liked Dunkin Donuts and I of course am a Starbucks snob; so after Sunday Mass I walked into Starbucks and before I got to the counter I had a Venti Bold coffee in my hand.  Next stop was Dunkin Donuts for Grandma T.  I walked into Dunkin and stood at the counter, and stood at the counter, and stood at the counter until the lady said “can I help you?”

“Oh” I replied

“I’ll take a regular coffee with cream and sugar” – they don’t have my order ready for me?  I thought quietly to myself as I secretly plotted a plan in my mind to convert Grandma T to Starbucks.  I never did convert her to Starbucks, but she enjoyed her D&D.

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She loved her Philadelphia Phillies.  October 29th 2008, Grandma T called me to be the first wish me a happy birthday.  I thanked her and then in a sinister voice she spoke “Oh Hun did you see that World Series game?  Not to rub it in that the Met’s didn't even make the World Series, but isn't that something that the Phillies won, who would have thought?”  I then realized that the early Happy Birthday wish was a classy start to what she really wanted to say which I let slide a little as it brought her joy to see her team that she loved so much win the big one.

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She loved the Church and was very devoted to her faith.  She and Grandpa Andy devoted countless hours of service and time to St. Jude’s Church; my home Parish growing up.  She never bothered to ask where you were from, but rather what Parish do you belong to.  She stood by her faith, no matter what.  She was head Queen of St. Jude’s Alter and Rosary society for countless years and always encouraged Parishioners to join and celebrate as a community.

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While Grandma T has passed on to her eternal home, the memories we have and the memories she shared will live with us on a daily basis.

So with all of that said, Grandma T “Lord rest your soul”

.. and may the New York Met’s take the World Series next year!  

Finger Painted Cards and Cereal

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate and spoil Mom for the 29 years we had together.  While brother and I spoiled her on a daily basis even through the smallest gestures at times we always played the game to extra spoil her on Mother’s day. 

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As a little tike, I showed my appreciation by making a card with markers, stickers and finger paint and always served her breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day as I walked into her bedroom, I said “Mom, I made you cereal all by myself” as I handed her an empty bowl, a spoon, a napkin and a box of cereal from the pantry with a huge smile on my face.  She loved every moment of it and I remember those hugs of appreciation she gave me. 

As time moved on and I entered into the working world I continued my handmade cards as Mother thought cards were a waste of money and she was right so they always remained designed with love from the heart.  Of course, the handmade cards were the best part, but as an added bonus Brother and I began to take notice of subtle hints from Mother and always towards the end of April. 

For example – Mom would say “My jeweler Mike showed me a beautiful diamond necklace today, but do I really need more diamonds?”  John-Paul and I had to translate that into “Oh, Mike showed me a beautiful diamond necklace today and Mother’s Day is around the corner kids, just sayin’.”  We received the subtle message loud and clear and called her private jeweler right away.  Another example was the following year where Mom said “Oh, the iPad was released and I am debating on whether I need one as how many devices does one woman need?”  Again, John-Paul and I translated that to her saying “I want an iPad for Mother’s Day and you two might want to engrave it with a personal message for Mother’s Day or something on the back, just sayin’.”

While her subtle ‘surprise presents’ were much appreciated and upgraded over the years, my cooking skills did not advance much further.  So up until I was 29 years old, she got a cereal breakfast in bed.  I did however begin to place the cereal in the bowl all by myself AND John-Paul and I added a new recipe for the special day on the dinner menu.  We called it reservations!  Only the finest dinner reservations for the finest lady we ever knew at the finest places, she very much deserved it. 

She is very much loved and missed.  

In honor of Mother’s Day weekend we wish all Mother’s the very best.  Enjoy the day!