Suffering with Shingles - Week One

Day One: Uh oh!  As I'm getting dressed for tennis team practice, I lifted my T-shirt to discover a large rash on my left abdomen and extending to my back. Immediately, I guessed shingles and ironically, we had just talked about it the night before when I shared that my seafood guy at ShopRite had just recovered from shingles.  Before I could process my new discovery, my brother-in-law called to share that my sister is in the hospital for testing due to weakness and abdominal pains. So, immediately my own concerns were washed away. I also had to pick up my daughter from school before rushing to tennis team practice.  In this flurry of activity, I managed to text pictures of my rash to my wife. 

I went straight from tennis practice to CityMD urgent care where the check in process was incredibly efficient using technology at a handy kiosk.  15 minutes later, I was diagnosed with shingles and given a prescription for Valtrex, an antiviral medication to minimize the symptoms. I took my first pill an hour later.  I felt fine as I went to bed.

Day Two: The forecasted snow storm canceled school. The rash area filled in and I felt some sensation in the area but no pain or discomfort,  I rested comfortably all day in my PJs hoping that I caught it early. I watched Chinese sword fighting movies (my favorite genre as a young boy) to pass the time.  I was a bit more tired than usual and went to bed early taking extra precaution to avoid contact with my wife.  

Day Three:  A second snow day canceled school.  I felt kind of guilty laying on the sofa while Matthew and Allison shoveled the 10 inches of snow that fell overnight. I was wiped out and napped for two hours starting at 9:30am. The sensation and some brief moments of minor pain started setting in.  The rash area intensified in color and density.  With worsening conditions and that tomorrow will be a Friday after two snow days, I made the decision to take a sick day -  my first of the school year. I had hoped to go through a whole school year without taking a sick day. I know that's silly and ambitious especially since I teach 500 young students.

Day Four: Sensation and minor pain continued to grow. The area looked gross (but I still took pictures to share with my brothers who both had shingles.)  It felt weird to be home on a school day. I was bored and tired.  I watched Brad's Status, The Bad News Bears remake, and eight episodes of Fast Food Mania (although I fell in and out of sleep).

Day Five: The sensation had turned into pain that came and went.  It flared and lasted for 30 seconds regardless of whether I'm sitting, standing, or laying down.  We enjoyed a marvelous high school production of Mary Poppins however I had bouts of sharp pain throughout the show and, at times, could not bring myself to applaud the performances. I had to leave immediately after the curtain fell as my pain was more frequent and I wanted to avoid the rush of the crowd out the door.  I was exhausted that night.

Day Six: I was uncomfortable all day but the evening was worse. After sharing news of my shingles on Facebook, I was still unsure if I would work the next day. However, the pain from the shingles would give me a clear answer. That night, I had bouts of excruciating, cramp-like abdominal pain that would come and go no matter what I was doing (or not doing). They would last upwards of a minute causing me to wince and writhe in pain.  Despite wanting to be with my students, I made the right decision after a few friends cautioned me to avoid getting more germs while I recover from shingles. Staying home was the smart choice. I put in for a sick day.

Day Seven: I finally gave in and took Tylenol at 4 AM because the sharp pain kept me awake. I try to avoid any medication. I know it sounds silly to some but I prefer to let my body work out problems on its own. But, this pain needed something.  .I had to take Tylenol again at 2 PM when I just couldn't relax and rest without sharp pain. That evening, we attended the Junior Honor Society induction ceremony at my sons's school but I was again in such pain that it was uncomfortable to sit through it.  At the conclusion, I cautiously made my way through the large crowd and waited outside for my family.  For those who know how social I like to be, this will tell you how much pain I was in. Is this the peak of pain?  Gosh, I sure hope so.

Thank goodness for a loving family and caring friends. Also, thankful for Amazon Prime, Netflix, Sony PSP, and a new oldies station (101.5 The Breeze),to pass the time.  Lastly, stress balls to squeeze hard during the sharp pain.  

A Journey's Milestones - Time to Reflect and Give a Tearful Thanks

To reach a meaningful goal, there is a journey.  Along the way, milestones signify progress, help maintain focus, and provide encouragement.  In my journey to become an effective educator, I've reached such milestones.  Today, I am proud to pause for a brief moment in my journey to reflect as I graduate with a Masters degree in Childhood Education.

Recently, I completed my degree requirements with an amazingly fulfilling student teaching semester.  A few months later, I attained state certification to be a teacher.  While these were significant achievements, I treated them as mere steps towards my goal with little fanfare.  When my wife asked if I was excited to walk in this spring's commencement, I was indifferent seeing it as just another step.  I viewed all the hard work and sacrifice during the past 45 months as a foundation for the future. However, as today's ceremony drew nearer, I began to appreciate my accomplishment.  I even grew increasingly emotional about it. 

I've been thinking about all the genuine encouragement from family, friends, and acquaintances who know about my journey.  I recall sharing my decision to leave a wonderful career that I loved and the many colleagues who wished me well.  I think back to presenting a TEDx talk to spark young men and women at my former high school to define their dreams.  I am grateful when caring, experienced educators have generously shared their expertise and given me their confidence.  One recent moment that has made me particularly emotional is hearing from a young man how I inspired him to pursue his own passions. 

I also cry when I think about my mom who would have been so darn proud of me today. 

As I continue to share my journey with my children, I know they have learned a great life lesson.  They have motivated me.  Additionally, none of this would be possible without my wife, Catherine, who has been my biggest fan and has provided a tremendous amount of support in countless ways.

I am so extremely humbled by all the love, support, well wishes, and encouragement I continue to receive.  Just thinking of the many kind words have moved me to tears throughout writing this blog post.  Thank you so very much.

The journey is far from over however.  Now, back to work towards my goal of being an effective educator!

One Hill Climbed with More Ahead

Three years ago, I became a student again. The last time I was a student, there was no internet and the first George Bush was president.  It sure felt weird.  But, there I was in front of my laptop starting another step in my pursuit to be an effective educator.  

22 classes and thousands of working hours later, I embarked on the final semester of my graduate program.  On September 1, I became a student teacher.  I was beyond excited to get in the classroom to learn from experienced teachers and to work with students.  I looked forward to connecting, engaging, and teaching children who hopefully would be forgiving as I learned my craft. 

My expectations of this experience were surpassed greatly.  These past four months have been amazingly rewarding and fun.  I learned a great deal from some outstanding teachers. I also learned from each of the fantastically unique students.  

With lots of hugs, well wishes, encouragement and an armful of unexpected gifts from a great group of boys and girls, I bid farewell on my last day as a student teacher.  I absolutely loved being a student teacher and can't wait to have my own set of students one day.  

It is hard to believe that I have finished my graduate degree program.  Three years have gone by so quickly.  However, my journey to be an effective educator is not even close to complete.  I have some work to do for state certification next month and then I will join many others in the hunt for a job.  Until then, I am cherishing the many wonderful memories I will always keep of being in a classroom these past 17 weeks.

Curveball, Fastball, Hit!

There are times in one's life when things just work out well.  In such occasions, reflection can provide a fulfilling perspective.  For me, missing on an unexpected curveball thrown my way gave me the chance to hit an ensuing fastball out of the park. (Yes, a baseball reference is apropros considering I am writing this during a World Series game).  For the past nine weeks, I enjoyed being a student teacher working with a wonderful, experienced teacher who served as a terrific mentor.  We developed an outstanding working relationship complete with mutual respect from day one.  As I gained valuable practical experience, I learned, contributed and deepened my desire to be an educator

During this placement, the class went from a challenging number of students (27) to a more manageable one (19) when a new teacher was hired six weeks into the school year.  A number of school holidays, half days, and even fire drills made efficient planning necessary to accomplish our teaching goals.  It was a rich learning experience in a short time indeed.

During this last week, the teacher, students and I counted down the days to my final one with sadness.  None of us wanted to part company.  Today, while holding back tears, I bid farewell to students who then overwhelmed me with a minute long group hug, lots of individual hugs, and a book of heartfelt letters that conveyed how I helped them learn.  

I'm still so moved as I read these letters for a third time.  "You make me more confident", "I would not have figured out math without you", "you are a funny teacher and a fun one", "you made learning fun", and "you will find a new set of cool students like us but we will never find another awesome teacher like you."   Comments like these inspire me tremendously as I complete my journey to be a certified teacher.  Making positive impacts on young minds.  That's why I want to be an educator.   

If it weren't for that curveball, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet really great kids and their amazing teacher.  Don't despair over the curveballs that come your way.  Something better to hit may follow.

Birthday Reflection

Birthdays are a great excuse to reflect.  I think back to what I've accomplished in 48 years (wow!) and I am very content.  As a child, I didn't cause much grief for my parents (if you don't count a few failing grades when I started high school).  I think the most concern I created was when I fractured my leg during a second grade field trip to an ice skating rink.  Otherwise, my biased memory recalls that I was a pretty good son and brother.

I've succeeded in each of the jobs I've had even those that had me developing saliva-covered dental x-rays, pumping information from receptionists on the phone, vacuuming filthy rental cars, and driving to crime-ridden neighborhoods in a Pepsi van.  I had early success in my first full-time career as a retail manager but long hours made me realize the field was not a long term fit for me.  After attaining an MBA (the first post graduate degree in my family!). I enjoyed 19 wonderful years in various roles at one organization.  I grew in so many ways and retired with lifelong friends and lasting memories.

Perhaps the most gratifying accomplishment in my 48 years is the growth of my own children.  They are amazing in so many ways and I am so blessed to be able to nurture and enrich their lives with love, understanding and wisdom.

As much as I have accomplished, I pale in comparison to what my father did by the time he was 48.  He fought against a government which caused him to be separated from his family for eight years.  He left his homeland to courageously start a new life in a country that was completely foreign to him.  He worked almost every day in this land of opportunity for measly wages so his six children could dream of possibilities for their own lives. For his sacrifices, I will always be grateful and humbled and strive to make his efforts worthwhile.  Although he never physically met Allison and Matthew, I know if he did today, he would do what he always did when he was proud of me.  He would give them an acknowledging look of approval with a slight hint of a smile and say nothing.  It was his way of taking our achievements in stride towards even greater ones.

So, as I reflect upon my 48 years, I remember my father fondly and am so thankful to have learned so much in my far too-brief time with him.  For all that I have accomplished, I know there's way more ahead.  Onward and upward - but not too fast... I'm not that young anymore!

Best Father's Day Gifts Ever

As this Father's Day comes to a close, I reflect upon how fortunate I am to have two amazing children.  I know it sounds hokey but I really do feel that every day for me is a special one as a dad.  I can't imagine having a better experience as a dad.

I absolutely love the wonderful personalities and traits of my daughter and son.  Allison and Matthew are thoughtful individuals who think and care about others and about each other.  They each have a strong sense of self, style and confidence.  They are incredibly family-oriented with strong morals and a great sibling relationship, qualities so embedded in them that my mom would have been proud.  Their growth and achievement in academics, arts, and athletics stem from their self-determined drive. 

It is a joy to watch them enjoy their lives in their own way, succeed in their endeavors, and dream about possibilities.  I am thankful that we have such strong and deep relationships.  I understand my two kids just as much as they understand me.  As much as I teach them, I learn immensely more.  

We forgo the exchange of gifts throughout the year and acknowledge days like Father's Day with memories.  Today, I played tennis with Allison and Matthew, treated them to a DQ lunch, did grocery shopping and enjoyed frozen yogurt with Allison, and watched a Mets game and played baseball with Matthew after eating our favorite home-cooked fish dinner.  

Such wonderful memories are not only the best gifts I could ever have but the only ones I want for I am truly blessed to be my children's dad. 

Life is Long Enough for Detours, Pauses and Bumps in the Road

Last month, I started the final semester of my graduate studies.  After two years of online coursework, I was more than excited to begin on-the-job training as a student teacher.  Not only did I have a short commute to the school, I knew several parents, students and staff members including the outstanding principal.  It seemed like an ideal situation but one critical element was missing.  Perhaps blinded by my eagerness to be in a classroom, I underestimated the importance of an effective working relationship to foster a productive learning environment.  It would not be fair to share just my point of view here but suffice it to say that differing expectations led to a lack of healthy communication - or was it the other way around?

After the first few weeks, I reflected upon my education which I take very seriously so I can be prepared as much as possible to be a novice teacher.  With just 14 weeks in one's life to learn as a student teacher, I value this apprenticeship greatly.  Unfortunately, I was not in the dynamic learning environment I expected and wanted.  While most student teachers would try to just "get through" with hopes of a passing grade, I do not want to compromise my commitment to learn.  The opportunity is just too valuable and would be wasted if I'm not learning as much as I feel I can.  It would be a disservice to me and my future students if I didn't take this critical learning experience earnestly.  

After much deliberation with my wife and my supportive professors, I chose to withdraw from this semester and start over in the fall with an increased focus on the critical success factors.  With a great amount of thought behind my choice, I am confident this is the best decision for me.  It's not the first time I've made bold but deliberate decisions about my career.  Thankfully, they have all worked out really well.  Besides always believing things happen for a reason, I will still be ahead of my goal of graduating in May 2016.  I had intended to start my degree program after enjoying a year as a stay at home dad.  Instead, I got ambitious and hit the books hard just a month after retiring from my corporate career and haven't stopped since.

My unexpectedly challenging situation has been a great teaching moment at home.  I've been transparent with my kids with my thought process and decision.  I've shared that it is important to make personal goals, to stay true to those objectives, and to make decisions with thoughtful consideration of information and consequences.  I also stress that their happiness and well-being are paramount factors.  I tell them that with age comes the wisdom to know that life is long enough for detours, pauses and bumps in the road. Our actions are vital lessons for our children. I want my own to feel empowered to make thoughtful decisions about their own choices.

No rest for me though.  My wife has already started a to-do list for me!