Lessons Learned

Westerville, Ohio is my home of 34 years. I have made a living and raised a family. I have lived in Westerville longer than I lived in, Ashtabula, Ohio, the city of my youth. I returned to Ashtabula for a few days last week. I drank beer and told stories with Daryl "Mac" McIntyre. Mac and I drank a lot of beer and once lived the stories that old men now tell of their misspent youth. A friend from Ashtabula is the most loyal of friends. We will always have each others  back. I found life-long friends in Ashtabula. Especially, Mac, Wiz, and Double. I saw the sunset on Lake Erie which is still the most beautiful of all sunsets. You can see the sunrise and sunset in the summer on Ohio's north coast. I was reminded of taking Robin to see the sunset and wait to see the August meteor showers at Walnut Beach. I found love in the eyes of a brown eyed girl from Ashtabula, Ohio. I saw family if only briefly. My childhood was filled with the interactions of two large ext...

  I am Ok A former Manor student, from 20 years ago, made contact today. Every few years, he reaches out to let me know that he is ok and I am always thankful.  His life was never a joyful journey.  He did not have a childhood. He had a survivor-hood. Homelessness and struggling mental health are part of his journey, but today he is ok.  He is stable.  He has a place to live. He has food. He is ok.  He shared that he finds hope that when he struggled as a student that his teachers and one old principal always loved him and never gave up on him.  This is his anchor when the storm of mental health swirls.  I shared with my friend not to worry about his past  but to focus on where he is going.  He shared back, “If it is to be; it is up to me. They do remember our words.  I will always be thankful that former students reach out and make contact.  Sometimes to share joy.  Sometimes for support and direction. Sometimes just to l...