My photo search opened a Pandora’s Box of memories this afternoon when I came upon these photos from the beginning of my teaching career. I was so very young, a recent graduate of Florida State, newly married, and these photos were from a middle school jazz band concert at the Pasco County Fair. (Yes, I … More Memory Lane
My father, ‘The Colonel’, as Mom called him. I have always thought that there is some Karmic thing going on with me and fathers. Growing up, I used to wish my mom ‘Happy Father’s Day’, as she was really both parents to me. My own father left us when I was a toddler to start … More Father’s Day Reflections: Fathers and Father Figures
Normally, telling someone that your brother came to visit is is nothing out of the ordinary, but in my family, this visit was anything but ordinary. You see, my brother and sister from my father’s second marriage and I only reconnected a couple of years ago through Facebook. Through no fault of our own, though … More On Making Angels Smile
Dear Dad, Here it is so many years after your passing, and I am finally able to write these words to you. It was so easy for me to blame you when I was young; blame you for leaving us, for the scary financial place you left us in, for hurting Mom so deeply, … More A Letter to My Father
I recently had a student who was on the path toward medical school and a lucrative future, but felt drawn to change his major to music education. He talked with me about his feelings and concerns, knowing he would have to discuss the issue with his parents. Thankfully, they were supportive…so many times that is … More Follow Your Heart
The View from Here 