Somber Visit

On Saturday, we left Gilbert for a trip to Illinois for our friend, Sonya's wedding. We decided to drive so that we could visit different places in our country and give Cameron that experience. So far, driving is about all that we have done. We spent the first night in Albuquerque getting there quite late. Kerri's friend, Tyson, met us for drinks near the hotel we were staying.

Sunday we drove for many long hours and got to Oklahoma City late again. There is a two hour time difference from Arizona to Oklahoma, plus it was Sunday. We had trouble finding a place to eat and finally ended up at a Denny's. Of course, they have a different menu for after 10:00 p.m. I had no idea as I obviously don't go many places at this time of night!

This morning we visited the site of the Oklahoma City bombing. The memorial is beautifully done to commemorate this horrific event from April 19, 1995. There are chairs dedicated to each person who was killed that day.

"We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity."

This is what is written about the purpose of the memorial. What I find amazing is the feeling that you get at a site like this. People who are walking around are talking quietly, etc. I remember when Patrick and I went to New York on St. Patrick's Day after September 11. Everyone around the site at that time were quiet and appeared introspective.

I remember that day very well. It was the end of innocence for us. The fact that such an act of violence could happen here in our country by someone who was a United States citizen was so sad. Then we experienced September 11th six years later. I always read about things like this happening in other countries, but we seemed to be insulated here in the U.S.

I remember talking to my mom and Teresa that day. They told me that a family friend was killed that day. His name was Richard Cummins and he worked for the Department of Agriculture. He was the son of their friend, Christine. I recently wrote about Christine's great granddaughter, Samantha, who won the Margaret Shannon Leadership/Citizenship Award at my school--such a small world and so many connections.

So today when we visited the memorial, one of the security officers took me to the chair with his name on it. He asked me how I knew him. I told him that Richard had grown up in my home town and I knew his mother very well. I remember my mom telling me at the time that his mother was never told that he had been killed. She was in a rest home in Tucson at the time and died shortly after.

Seeing the memorial today was a somber experience and reminded me that we as Americans are not immune to terrorist attacks like people in other countries have experienced for so long. Hate is such an ugly emotion and brings out the worst in humans. It is so simplistic to think that we should all be friends. However, respect for human life and differences of opinion should not result in such a terrible tragedy. My hope for the future is that we can realize this and learn from history and past mistakes. I guess that truly is almost too much to hope for. Maybe if everyone could have the experience we had today and see something like this beautiful memorial, it might make a difference........... I pray that isn't too much to hope for!

Schmooze with Suz!!

My dear friend, Susie of Arabia, is coming to Arizona this summer! I know many of you have become "blogger friends" with Susie through my blog. She has also made some other blogger friends who happen to live in the valley, plus some old friends from Douglas. So I am having a party for everyone who would like to meet and visit with her. Please mark your calendars for Friday, June 26, at 6:30. Please send me an email (srogers67@cox.net) if you are planning to be here and I will give you more information.

Susie has become a world-wide celebrity because of her blog. She moved to Saudi Arabia about two years ago because her husband is originally from there. Susie is from my home town, Douglas, and I have known her for many years. Her blog has won awards and is amazing!!! Right now, it is banned in Saudi Arabia!!!

So if you haven't read her blog, there is a link to it on mine. Get to know her and join us on June 26!! I will be doing another post when the time gets closer!!

I am so excited to host this event at my house and to see and visit with Susie!!!

Awards and Memories

The last week of school is always emotional for many reasons. I have always felt this way. As a teacher, it was hard to say good-by to the students that I worked so hard with all year. As a principal, it is a culmination of another year watching children growing academically, socially, and emotionally. It is always bittersweet to say good-bye to our sixth graders. Many of them have been with us since kindergarten. On the last morning of school, our sixth graders do what we call "The Sixth Grade Walk." The student council members lead with our school banner and we play the school song over and over on the intercom. The sixth graders walk by every classroom and say their good-byes. All of the other students bring out chairs to wave good-bye. I got so many hugs from the students as they walked by!! I truly believe that the sense of community that is built is the reason that this happens.

Each year I always hate to say good-bye to families that I have known for many years as their children have gone through our school and the last child finishes sixth grade.

On Tuesday we held our 5th and 6th Grade Awards Assembly. Awards are given out for most outstanding sixth grader, sportsmanship, community service, most improved, and the student who showed the most courage. All of these awards are named after either a former student, teacher, or volunteer who has died. It is always very touching when these awards are given out.

For fifth graders, we give out an award to a boy and girl who show kindness. This award is named after my dear friend, Ellen Widmer, who taught with me when I was a teacher and then came to Gilbert El to teach after I became principal. Ellen was one the kindest people I have ever known. We named this award after her just before she died five years ago. She was so thrilled and touched to have this named after her.

A few years ago I decided to also give an award to a fifth grade student in my mother's name. It is called the Margaret Shannon Citizenship/Leadership Award. I ask for students to be nominated who show citizenship and leadership characteristics and then chose one. For the past few years, either Teresa or Kerri have been at the assembly to help me give this award. This year, neither could be there, so Cameron helped me present the award.

The young lady who one this award is named Samantha. She is a terrific young lady!! Earlier this year, she was chosen as our Character Counts Student of the Month. Samantha organized a garage sale last fall to raise money for a local organization that rescues dogs called Friends for Life. Samantha has also been a student council representative and a peer mediator in the past. Every time you see Samantha, you see a child with a big smile on her face and a hug to give you. She has been this way since kindergarten!

Next year Samantha will be the principal liaison as part of our student council so she and I will meet regularly to discuss student council business.

When Samantha came up to get her award, I told a story about a connection that we have. You see, Samantha's great grandma was a dear friend of my mom's down in Douglas. They often played bridge together. Samantha's great grandma, Christine Cummins, was a teacher in Douglas for many years. I told her that her great grandma and Cameron's would be very proud!

Another connection with our families is my Uncle Bill was very good friends of her great uncle, Frank.

Another year has quickly passed. They seem to go by faster and faster the older I get! It is hard to believe that I have been an educator for the past 38 years. I can honestly say that I have had the best job imaginable and I wouldn't trade it for anything!! I hope to continue to have the energy to do this for a few more years at least!! Being an educator is such an important job in our society, especially today. I don't think that people in the "real world" realize how much time, energy, and emotion is put into this job and how important having some time away from it to rejuvenate is.

Carl Jung said "One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of a child." I so agree!

Yes, We Have No CARDONNAY!

Yes, you read the title correctly!! I LOVE MY COUSINS!! Tonight Yaya had an "old fogies" dinner at her house. Pat was talking about wine and she actually called Chardonnay CARDonnay! After the laughs, I realized that it would be the perfect title for this post!! You can tell that Pat isn't much of a wine aficionado.

Our generation tries to get together every few months to reminisce, laugh, discuss politics, tell stories, etc. This was the first time that we have done this since Phil died in January. I was so glad that Yaya planned this evening as we all needed it. Yaya, Pat, Cecilia, Jay, and Yaya's dear friends, Barbara and John, and I enjoyed a wonderful evening. We even had a "maitre d" who set the table, poured the wine, and did the dishes. And we actually allowed Matt to eat with us..... He told Yaya earlier that he didn't understand what we talk about half the time and she reminded him that she has to listen to his friends and him when they sit around talking...

Tonight we discussed politics. Fortunately, we are all in agreement on this subject.... We did talk about the sorry state that our education system is in right now. It was depressing and we did try to keep away from anything too depressing.

It is always so relaxing for me to get together with my wonderful cousins. I have said this before, they are really my sisters and I love them very much!! Tonight was a much needed respite for me from the last several weeks of school.

I hope we can get together more often like this. I love to have all of the younger generation and all of the kids, but we don't really get to visit like we do at "The Old Fogies Nights!"

Thanks for tonight, Yaya, I needed it so much and I always love our time together! It is such a blessing to truly enjoy being around the family!

Happy Birthday, Jay!

Last December when Teresa told me that she was going to call all of her brothers' and sisters' chiidren on their birthdays, I told her that I would do a post on each one of them. If you have followed my blog, you have know that Teresa has made sure that I have done this.

With our family being as close as we are, I would love to write something about everyone one of our wonderful cousins. And possibly over the years, I will make this goal. I haven't written about any of the in-laws (or out-laws), other than Joan who was my first post. I wrote about Joan because of how much what she did for our John meant.

However, today I am going to make an exception and I want to say a special birthday to Jay Henderson, Cecilia's wonderful husband and the father of Monica, David, Mark, Annie, Katie, and Matthew. I feel as though Jay is like my brother-in-law. You see, Jay is always there for all of us Through the years, I have asked Jay to help me many times with different situations. Jay is one of the "salt of the earth" people who doesn't have a lot to say, but can always be counted on no matter what!

Jay is so supportive of our family in every way. He is a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandpa, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. His unconditional love and support is always something to be counted on. And he is fun!!!

Cecilia is so fortunate to have such a great man as Jay. And our family is fortunate to have Jay for so many reasons.

I know that Yaya and Pat in particular will totally agree with me on this. Jay is a great human being and I thank him for all of the great times we have had. He is a quiet and gentle man, who puts family first and loves our Cecilia so much.

So happy birthday, Jay!! I love having you in my life!! You are the best!!! Let's celebrate!!! (I think we will at the "old fogies" dinner at Yaya's Saturday.)

Putting Things Into Perspective

Every week at school I can't imagine things getting any worse, and yet it does. Never did I ever think that so many really difficult issues could arise like they have with the current economic crisis. I have seen the ups and downs of our economy and how it has affected our district over the years, but it has been nothing like this.

This past week, I had to meet with some of our classified staff to tell them about hours that are being cut which means losing health insurance benefits. These are longtime and loyal employees. We have also had to make our class sizes larger in order to make even deeper budget cuts. Each day and hour bring more bad news and very sad situations. Over the years, I have had to deal with many unpleasant issues as a principal. However, this is beyond anything I ever thought could happen. I know that as part of my job, I have to do some very unpleasant and difficult things, but these past weeks have been the absolute worst. Amidst all of this garbage, the school year goes on. We have to remember why we are there--for the children. So this time of year brings awards, etc. So I have had the honor of calling parents with good news. I have always said that the range of emotion that one goes through in a short time can be so unbelievable. I didn't know it would ever be the way it has been lately.

On Tuesday, I came back to my office from one of the many very depressing district meetings that we have had lately. I noticed that there was a wheelchair by my office. I asked who it belonged to and was told that it belongs to a parent who is dealing with terminal cancer.

A few weeks ago, we were approached by a non-profit organization that helps women with a variety of services. They provide legal aid, social workers, job counselors, and even help with how to dress, etc. Their purpose is to help women who have had set backs in life to get on with their lives and find out their own self-worth. They also provide classes in budgeting, parenting, and almost anything else that is needed. They had been referred to our school by the Chamber of Commerce because they knew how much we do for families. They are trying to branch out into our side of the valley. After meeting with the ladies in charge and reading about what they have to offer, I was very excited to have them be a part of our community. Once they get established, they will find a permanent location. As we were talking to the ladies a few weeks ago, I could think of so many parents who would benefit.

So last week was their first week at our school. They had several appointments already lined up, one of which was the parent with cancer. I walked out of my office a bit later and the mom was getting into her wheelchair. She was so sweet and asked me how I was. We talked for a few minutes and then she said she wanted to thank me. She proceeded to tell me that she had just been with the legal person filling out her living will. I was so taken aback by this and just told her I was glad we were able to help her. We talked a few more minutes and then she left. I went in to my office, shut my door, and cried for a few minutes. I had to pull it together for the next issue.

This was Tuesday. On Wednesday, we had our final Flag Ceremony of the year. At each Flag Ceremony, our local Kiwanis Club presents a bicycle, helmet, and lock to a student "caught with character." Teachers submit names and I chose one student each month. This is one part of my job that I love!!! The young lady who won this time is a first grader who has a very serious form of arthritis, but you would never know it if you saw her. She always has a huge smile on her little face and a big hug to give you. She has dealt and continues to deal with much pain each day. Some of the treatment that she has undergone is almost worse than her disease. But she is at school almost every day no matter what, works her heart out, and loves to be a Tiger. Although our job is to teach her to read, write, and learn math, she teaches all of us something every single day. I feel privileged to be her principal. Her parents are incredible and so supportive and trusting of us.

Both this mom and this young lady show courage that cannot be measured by any assessment or AIMS test. They demonstrate each day that life should be lived to the fullest no matter what obstacles may come our way. They truly put everything that is happening right now into perspective. Once again, I feel that these two events happening this week were not a coincidence. I believe that the resiliency displayed by both of these incredible humans can help all of us, but especially they have helped me. For that I am so thankful!

And I do believe that there are "Angels Among Us!!!"

Great News About My Favorite Place on Earth!

I have written previous posts about our cabin in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Our family, along with two other close family friends, bought this cabin in December of 1960 when I was in sixth grade. It is on the eastern slope of the Chiricahua Mountains near a very small place called Portal. It is about 60 miles from Douglas. In order to get there, you must go into New Mexico by a very small town called Rodeo and then back into Arizona. It is very remote and very beautiful!!

Because it is so close to Douglas, our families would go up to the cabin almost every Sunday after church. We have a guest book going back to 1960 and it is amazing to read. It holds such incredible memories.

As I got older, I always loved to go to the cabin and spend a few days whenever I could. When my kids were little and we spent summers in Douglas, we spent a lot of time at the cabin. We still go every chance we get as everyone loves the cabin. Our cousins from all over love to go up there,too.

The area is called Cave Creek and our cabin is in south fork. There is only one other cabin in this part of the canyon and a picnic area about a mile down. No camping is allowed at the picnic area. There are many unusual birds and insects in this area which draw people from all over the world. However, it is still out of the way and not many people know about it.

This cabin is truly a cabin. We haul water from the creek and boil it on the stove for warm water to do dishes and wash our faces and hands. We have a small shed with a generator for electricity. We also have an outhouse. Yet, it is the most comfortable place you could ever want to be. The beauty and serenity can not be matched anywhere that I have ever been. There is no television, no radio, no telephone service--just the natural beauty of this part of Arizona. You can truly relax there.

Our cabin is on forest service land and through the years we have had to deal with times when we were afraid that the government would take back our lease. Several years ago, we found out that we had the cabin for sure until 2008. As a result, we didn't do much to fix the cabin up as we didn't know what was going to happen.

Teresa keeps very informed and does whatever is required by the Forest Service at any time. She has gotten several letters in the last several months about an inspection that was coming up. So last Wednesday, she got a ride up to the cabin and waited for the ranger to come by to tell us what was needed and whether or not the lease would be extended.

Wednesday night she called with the incredible news that we get a 20 year lease!!! There are some things that we have to do as far as improvements are concerned, but this is such great news!!!!!

I was worried about what might happen to our cabin and couldn't imagine what it would be like to not be able to go there anymore. I look so forward to my time spent in this most beautiful place and I am so thankful that we can have it for at least the next 20 years....that should be enough for me!!!