The Last Day

Tomorrow is the last day of school for kids. It is wonderful day. A day for reflection on the year gone by, and the beginning of something new and exciting.

It will also be my last day with students at Glenwood. All of the years past, twenty five years, seem like only yesterday. It is very strange to think of things this way, because I am leaving this place that I have always considered to be home and all the people who I have always thought of as family.

I keep thinking about all the great times and the wonderful people I have known. When I started at Glenwood I was 23 and right out of college. I was a Kindergarten teacher, a Computer Resource Teacher, and a Computer Resource Specialist at Glenwood. Most importantly, I met my wife at Glenwood, and when we were married the whole school came and celebrated.

Just the Glenwood group. This picture is on our mantle at home. Amy is in a chair and the photographer thought it would be great for me to sit on her. Akward Family Wedding Photo! 

Today I am 48 and next week Amy and I will celebrate our 20^th wedding anniversary. We have 3 wonderful kids. And every step along the way I have been at Glenwood, and the people there have shared my life. This place is more than just work.

I think that most times in life you have very little realization of each moment. I know I often think about things and wonder why I wasn’t paying better attention because I missed something. I have tried to pay extra close attention over the past few months to absorb everything that is going on. But it’s just not possible!

The only thing that I wish I could more fully express is an appropriate level of thankfulness. The problem for me is that for something so big- it is overwhelming. I want to say thank you. I had an awesome time! Call me, text me, Facebook Friend me; I’m not that far away! But it all seems a bit weak and ineffective.

While I am excited about the future and the challenges that I will face, it is important to respect the past. I know that Glenwood has made me a better person. Thank you for letting me be a Gator!

First Date

Our Matching Halloween Costumes

Twenty years ago today I went out on my first date with my wife. After we played in the very first Gator Bowl game, I remember I thought I was being sneaky and invited everyone on the team to the Honey Bee Golf Course Clubhouse for a drink after school. I knew it was the day before Thanksgiving and most people wouldn't come, but I didn't care if anyone else came.

Amy was the only player who showed up. I gave myself silent high fives as I celebrated my brilliant manipulations. She entertained me with her favorite party tricks, while I tried to play it cool and mature (which is terribly awkward when you are neither).

I tried to plan how I would be smooth and get a kiss before she had to go. She was leaving that night to have Thanksgiving with her family in Northern Virginia and I didn't have much time. I walked her to her car and hoped I seemed more smooth outwardly than I felt on the inside. Amy laughed and kissed me anyway.

We went our separate ways that day, but I knew she was different. I couldn't stop thinking about her. At Thanksgiving dinner the next day I sat at my grandmother's table and told my uncle about this girl I met and how I blocked for her as she scored a touchdown in the flag football game we played in together. I am sure that no one was as impressed as I was, but they hadn't met her.

That holiday weekend was the longest weekend in history! I couldn't wait to see her again, my mind was full of perfect plans to cover up my glaring imperfections with the goal of convincing her to go out with me again. Luckily for me she agreed to another date. And for the last 20 years I couldn't have been happier.

She always saw me as I really was, she laughed, and stayed with me anyway. Thank you Amy, I love you!

Triskaidekaphobia

I don't have a fear of the number 13, I have a fear that one day my wife will wake up and realize that she has made a terrible mistake. Amy and I have been married for 13 years today.

She is too good for me. She understands me and tolerates my ridiculous behavior. Her smile makes the world a better place. I am a very lucky man.