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Greetings - Christmas 2007
Hopefully this letter finds all in good health. This season is a time
to cherish family and friends. We pray for all those who are ill or
have passed this year. After almost 25 years with Doug at Christmas,
this year is quite different. We are getting through the holidays, one
day at a time. For some of you who may not know, Doug lost a
battle with cancer on September 18th 2007. We miss him everyday;
however, we know he is with us in spirit. We can't even begin to thank
everyone who helped us get through those first few months. The
outpouring of cards, dinners, hugs and true compassion was unbelievable.
Once again, thank you.
The
kids are doing well. Luke is a junior at Field High School. He
decided not to wrestle this year, but is starting to lift weights. He
continues to ski. He is doing well in school, considering his
emotional trauma with the loss of Doug. His school load is tough as he
is taking all honors classes. He is being inducted into the National
Honor Society in February. He was accepted at The University of Akron
in the fall as a postsecondary student, but decided to wait until his senior
year to take advantage of this option. He was nominated as the junior
class attendant on the homecoming court in October. He is 17, so
sometimes he and Mama do not see eye to eye. Oh well . . . teenagers .
. . gotta love 'em.
Toni
is a senior at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, OH and turned 21 last June.
She had a full class load in the fall and did very well. She remains
on the Dean's List and received her student teaching placement for the
spring. She is majoring in middle childhood education. This
licensure enables her to teach grades 4-9. She needed two
concentrations, so decided on math and science. She also picked up a
few extra classes to add a generalist degree onto her licensure. She
can teach any math or science class in grades 4-9, but also can teach
self-contained classes in grades 4-6 that teach the entire curriculum.
High school 9th grade math or science is also an option. She really
has a lot of possibilities, so hopefully she will get a teaching job after
she graduates in May. Her student teaching placement is 4th grade in
Cleveland Municipal Schools. It should be a good learning experience.
Graduation date is set for May 11th.
As for
me, I am trying to hold everything together. Some days are extremely
difficult, but everyone is so supportive that it helps me to get through
those really tough days. School is passing by quickly this year.
It's already half over. I've been teaching high school Phys. Ed. the
last 4 years and absolutely LOVE IT! I waited many years to get the
opportunity after teaching elementary school for 16 years. I just
finished my 11th year coaching volleyball. Next year I plan to take
over the program. We had a great year with a 22-3 overall record.
I continue to coach Junior Olympic volleyball and absolutely love it.
I'm still an active member in our union, serve on the local licensure
committee, and head our Health and Phys. Ed. department. I also picked
up 9th grade cheerleading advisor. Someone quit and the principal
talked me into helping out. Brings back memories of the 70's, but boy
are these cheers different. It's . . .interesting!? And
finally, I'm in the 21st year of being ski club advisor. The last 5
years I've been the head advisor, so I'm a little bit busy. I enjoy
all these things and they keep me active.
Well,
I could continue to write and write, but enough is enough! Once again,
have a joyous holiday and keep all those who have lost a loved one in your
prayers.
Merry
Christmas, Happy New year, and to all a good night!
All
our love,
Brenda, Toni, and Luke |
