A New Journey in my Life--An Eventful Week!!!

This past week has been an eventful week for me in many ways. It started out with the kick-off for the campaign on Tuesday night and culminated with all of the signs being distributed and put up around the community. I can't begin to thank people for their willingness to help in my campaign. I have been so touched by former students, teachers, and parents from Gilbert El and former students who were in my class when I taught many years ago, and many others that I have been fortunate to know through the years. So many people have reached out to help that it would take pages and pages to thank everyone. I will figure out a way, though. 

I know this may be a bit long, but I have had some time to think today about the many years that I have spent in education. I was so fortunate to have incredible mentors through the years like Leona Shreve, Wally Delecki, Paul Huston, and Brad Barrett. I also learned a lot from incredible Board Members like Don Skousen, Elaine Morrison, Myrna Sheppard, Julia McCleve, EJ Anderson, Susie Horvath in Gilbert. I had the privilege of working with some incredible board members in Douglas when I was the superintendent. Thank you to Susan Kramer, Dr. Ed Gomez, Mario Ramos, Chuck Hoyack, and Mike Ortega who taught me a lot during my five years there. I am hoping I haven't left anyone out. If I did, I apologize.

 And one of the best parts, is the people I have met recently on this journey. I have met with so many community members over the last few months and I so appreciate getting to know these dedicated community members. I believe that we should always do what is best for the children, not for the convenience of the adults. And I hope that I will have that opportunity for the next four years.

The one really good thing is that I respect the other candidates who are running and I know that all of them have the best interests of the children. And that is refreshing!! So thank you to all who have supported me. And to anyone else out there, if you have ANY questions of me, please contact me! Again, I am touched by what has happened in the last week. THANK YOU!!!

A Memorable Gift!

In the 1990's, Gilbert El was involved in an incredible program called Hands Across the Border. It was an exchange program between us and a school in Nacozari, Sonora. Each year, we would take around 25 4th, 5th and 6th graders for three days to visit. The Nacozari kids would then come up to Gilbert.

After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, it became increasingly difficult to continue this wonderful program.  Because of the attacks, new requirements were instituted for people from other countries coming into the U.S.  I totally understand why that was done, but it became cost prohibitive for our Sonoran friends to obtain the necessary paperwork to get their visas.  As a result, we had to stop participating in HATB.   That was a sad decision that had to be made.   I loved this program because of what it taught our children, not just the ones who traveled, but our whole school when the kids from Nacozari came to visit Gilbert El.  It was a total school community event.

Hands Across the Border was a joint effort of the states of Arizona and Sonora and many schools throughout Arizona participated.   I do not believe that it is in existence anymore because of the requirements. 

One of our wonderful parents who went with us one of the years, Roni Vikwr Kortuem-Ross, painted a picture of the church by the school. I believe we gave it to them one year when we were down there. I always loved the picture and she made this copy for me. My photo doesn't do it justice! Thank you, Roni!!

Politics Shouldn't Be Ugly!

A few years ago, I attended the Arizona School Board Association Conference where Sandra Day O'Connor was the keynote speaker. She spoke of the time when she was in the Arizona Legislature when they would disagree during the day, but get together in the evening as friends. She talked about differences of opinions being just that and not interfering with friendships. They would argue during the day, but have a barbecue at night and get together. 

My cousin, Tony Gabaldon, was a state senator for 20 years from Flagstaff and he was one of the legislators during that time. I remember having many conversations with him during this time. He died in 1998 and he was an amazing advocate for Arizona. 

When I heard the news about the death of Rose Mofford and read the article in the Arizona Republic about her life, I remembered that there were times when we could all work together for the common good no matter what our political differences were. My mom was a friend of Rose's. They worked together at the state in the 40's. I have fond memories of times that I was able to get to know her. 

What has happened in our society that we can't work together any more and that we criticize each other for our beliefs? My hope is that we as Americans can put aside our differences and work together for the common good. We have an amazing country made up of so many different people. And that is what makes the USA great. I am proud that my mom was a friend of Rose Mofford's and that era is missed. We all need to reflect on where we want to go as a state and as a country. And here is a picture of my Rose Mofford watch!!

An Amazing Young Man!

My amazing grandson, Cameron, turns 18 on September 1.  It is hard to imagine that.  He is a senior at Mesquite High School.    

Cameron is so smart and has been reading and soaking up information for as long as I can remember.  He can talk about just about any subject and he has facts to back things up.   He has one of the brains where he retains everything he reads or hears.    

He doesn't do as well in school as he is capable of and that has caused many a "chat" through the years.  Through my many years in education, I know that this happens a lot of times with really bright kids.  We are hoping that he will find his niche soon as he can be and do anything that he wants to  in the future!  In elementary school, he was a bit of a challenge.   However, every one of his teacher loves him to this day!   

Whenever we have a family gathering, Cameron is wonderful with all of the younger cousins.  They love him and he always has a bunch of little cousins around him.

Cameron was only four when my mom died.   My mom was always strict with me and with my kids, but she was absolutely crazy about Cameron.   No one was "allowed" to discipline him when she was around.  For those of you who knew my mom, you can understand how unusual that was!!   And the fact that he called her "Great" certainly was a plus!!!

Through the years I have watched him with Teresa.  He has called her Tia ever since he could talk.     They have always had a special bond, but over the last several months, watching it has absolutely warmed my heart.

Tia  came to live with us permanently around the first of July.   She can't be left alone anymore and since I am not working, we all felt this was the best arrangement.   Going back and forth between Judy's and my house was starting to be confusing for her.   She just turned 94 at the end of July and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.   Some days are better than others, but she is still truly one of the sweetest people ever!!

We "hired" Cameron to help me out with her care and have paid him for the hours that he puts in.    If I needed to be somewhere early in the morning, he set his alarm and was up here sleeping on the couch until she got up.  

But to watch the tenderness in the way he treats her truly melts our hearts.    He is so kind to her and most of the time when he walks by her, he stops and puts his hand on her shoulder and gives her a kiss and tells her he loves her.  And he does this even when he has friends over and they see him doing it.  It is obvious she feels the same way.  Often during the day she will ask me when he will be home.  

Watching him grow up into the honorable, caring, and loving young man he has become, has been wonderful to see!!  I know that given some time, he will figure out what he wants to do in his life and it wouldn't surprise me if he does something that will be a great benefit to our society.     

The fact that Cameron, an almost 18 year old young man gets this, speaks volumes about who he is and what he will become down the road. His mom has done right in raising him to be who he is and I am glad I have been able to be a part of it, too!  Love that BOY!!!!

Summer Roundup

It has really been a long time since I have written anything on my blog.   It has been a very busy summer all the way around.   

In June, I was able to join Patrick and Eduardo with some friends in St Maarten's for a week. It was a great trip and such a beautiful island.   I love the Caribbean and so happy that I have been able to go the last two summers.

I also was able to get away with my retired administrator friends for a few really fun days in Cottonwood.   As always, it was a great time.

In July, we all went back to Virginia for the Scott Family Reunion put on my Tommy and Michelle Scott and all of their families.    We weren't sure until the last minute whether we could be able to take Teresa as there has been a big decline.    We made every effort to take her because this could possibly be the last time we can take her on a trip like this.   It was difficult and tiring for her, but she had a wonderful time which is what is most important.

In late July, went to Vegas with Elise, Jessie and my friend, Clare.   We had a great time and I actually won a little bit of money--didn't just throw it all away like has happened to me the last several times I have gone there.  

The first part of July, Judy and I made the decision that Teresa would come to live with me permanently.   It was getting confusing for her to go from one house to the other, especially at night  She can't be left alone anymore and can't do much for herself at all.    She is unable to shower, get dressed on her own, or remember to take her medication.    She only eats because we give her three meals a day.   Since she has been here, she has not prayed at all and that is when I knew things were bad.  This morning she asked if I knew where her rosary was.  I got one for her and she has been trying to say it for the last 15 minutes.     I hope that brings her some comfort.

She is happy and is always sweet to be around.   We try to keep her stimulated as much as possible.  I take her out when I go and try to get her to as many family events as possible.    Our cousin, Maggie, and her family live in Gilbert and they have been great.  My cousin, Marion, has been at Maggie's as she has really helped me out the last few weeks.

Before school started, Cameron was really helping me so I could get out during the day.  We are paying him and he is incredible with her.   Every time he goes by her, he stops and gives her a kiss.   He is so kind to her.   He continues to help me when school is out.   However, I am trying to find someone to come in to give me a few hours during the day.

I have had many jobs in my life, but I have to say that this is the hardest job I have ever had.   But it is a privilege to be able to do this for our wonderful Aunt Teresa!!!  And she loves the pugs and the pugs love her.   She has them on her lap all of the time!

Kenny Chesney While He Still Knows Who I Am

I love Kenny Chesney and his music.  He does sad songs, happy songs, deep songs, etc.   I listen to a lot of his music when I am getting my "steps" in every day.   I have my iPod on shuffle and today this song came up.  I hadn't heard it in quite sometime.   To me it is so poignant for what we are dealing with right now with my dear Aunt Teresa.   She has started to slip mentally so much.  I saw it in the year before we left Douglas.   However in the past few months, she has really declined.  There are some days where she is really good.   She is also very good when she is around family and friends for a short time.   Our family has always been so important to her.   She loves all of us and always talks about her brothers and sisters kids.   For many years she sent birthday cards with a $1 in it to all of the kids (nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, etc.).   Now she doesn't always know who people are.   It is so sad to watch this decline.    The doctor has diagnosed her with Alzheimer's and she takes medication for it.   At 93 almost 94 years old, I wonder if it is really Alzheimer's or just her age.   As I sit here and write this post, I can't help but get a little teary.    I feel so blessed to have her in my life.  The five years that I spent with her in Douglas were worth every minute of it despite some of the garbage I dealt with.    We had a great five years as roommates!!   I will always cherish our time together.   Now she is at Judy's, but I have her a lot.    We try to keep her mind stimulated as much as possible.   But it gets harder and harder to have some conversations with her.    She doesn't remember going places that we have gone to recently, but she does remember that she wants to go to the Family Reunion in Virginia in July.   We are planning on taking her to it.   And of course, she always remembers when it is time to go to Mass!!!   If you listen to the words in this song, I think you will understand why I put on my blog.  What a blessing she is to our large extended family!    So if you read this, please every now and then give her a call.    If you get her on a good day, she will remember who you are.   If not, she will act like she remembers you.   I know how much it still means to her!

You may have to click it and go to YouTube.  It was on here for awhile, but now it is gone.  However, you can get to it by just clicking it on.

No Posts?????????

I am finding it hard to believe that I haven't written anything in 2016.    Things have been great and I am usually wanting to write when everything is in order.  Not sure what has happened.   

I didn't realize how much I was going to enjoy  being retired.  It has been amazing.   I truly thought I wouldn't be able to go from the MANY hours that I worked for the past 27 years that I was an administrator to nothing.  But it has been absolutely fine.   I have been busy, but not sure what I do.

Helping Judy with my Aunt Teresa takes a lot of time.  Judy has her most of the time, but she is here often.  I take her to doctor appointments and family events as much as possible.

Then there is my FitBit "addiction" that I have been dealing with.   I have tried to get my steps in regularly for the last many months.  A few months ago, my good friend, Debbie, got me involved in the Workweek Hustle.  I didn't know that I was competitive but I am and I am out trying to get the most steps in during the week so that I can WIN!   I have won most of the weeks, but there have been a few where I didn't quite make it.  I actually enjoy my walks and have been getting a minimum of 10,000 steps a day in.   Listening to audio books makes the walking easy.   I have been listening to historical fiction--books that I read in the 70's and 80's.  It is great to hear them again.  I love authors like Herman Wouk and John Jakes.   

In January, I started doing some principal subbing in Gilbert.  I am helping out a wonderful young man who has colon cancer when he has to undergo chemo.   It has mostly been every other week for three days, but there was one period of time that I was there for a week and a half.  It has been an honor and a privilege for me to be able to do this for him.   He has a wonderful school and I love the kids and the staff.    I am hoping that the last time I have to be there is a week from Wednesday.   Not that I don't love going there, but that will mean that he has finished his chemo and now will prepare for surgery this summer.   I hope and pray that it works out for him and I am so thankful that I have been able to help him.

I love being back home in Gilbert.  It has been wonderful to reconnect with so many people and to have the respect that I earned here for so many years valued.   It has been reaffirming in so many ways.

I have been approached by many people, including the teacher's association, to run for the school board.  I am giving it serious consideration.  I can't do anything until I am done with my sub job, but that still leaves plenty of time.  I think I would be able to be of service to the District that I love so much in this capacity.   

I am going to make it a goal to write more as I truly do enjoy it.  

Life is good!!!