GO, FEDERER!

Admiration is not nearly a strong enough term for what I think about the great tennis star Roger Federer, and his pull-out in the finals of the APT World Tour today just cinched my high regard.

"Fed," as those of us who are his closest friends call him, actually had the job done at 6-3, 5-2, but something happened that I have seen many times from Fed. He "let" the opponent win the 2nd set, just to make it more fun for the crowd! And, it surely did make it more fun. Fortunately for my husband and others in my life, I was home alone when that happened. My heart skipped a beat. My brother Tom would have been proud of the screaming and pumping my arms and dancing around I felt compelled to do to encourage "my Fed" to do what he had done so many other times - pull it out handily in the last set. Today, I even pulled the "Fed! Think about how much your twin daughters would love to see you win this tournament!"

There have been times that I have thought that Fed should just go ahead and finish the match, without all this anxiety-producing  drama; but, what's the fun in that? Huh? Tennis is a "game" after all, and games are meant to be lots of fun. Where was my faith in my tennis hero? It was there...honest!...but it was great fun to get caught up in the hype, to be his main vibrant supporter from across the globe. He "needed" me to play along, and I had his back! That's what relationships are all about, after all, right?

'Way to go, Fed! WE did it again!

Colleen

NOOOOOOO! YOU CAN’T GO!

Dennys came running into my office. “Noooooo! You can’t go!” And he grabbed me in a big bear hug.

I have been Dennys’ School Counselor for 2 years. In 6^th grade, Dennys came up and hugged me every morning, as I greeted him in the hallway. He didn’t care who was around or who was watching. This year, though, was different. The first day of 7^th grade, Dennys looked different to me. He looked older and more mature. “Wow! What a big change!” I thought, as I smiled at his growing up.

Then, as he approached, reality set in. He wasn’t coming straight to me for his big bear hug, and he wasn’t looking me in the eye. I held out my arm in anticipation, as I had the entire 6^th grade year. I called out his name cheerily, but that only made him look nervously at me. Then the bitter sweet truth set in: Dennys had outgrown hugging his School Counselor.

I adjusted quickly and held up my open hand for a “high 5” slap. His reservation ended, and he smiled as he “high 5’ed” me back. The anxious moment of agreeing on a 7^th grade appropriate greeting was over.

However, when Dennys received the word that I was retiring at the end of this month, he was all too happy to go back to the way we were. It was almost as if he blamed himself for my leaving because he quit giving me daily hugs. 

“Why do you HAVE to go?”

“Dennys, I’m so glad that you will miss me, because you are very special to me, too; and I will miss you as well.” Then, I explained that my husband was accepted at the University in Italy, and I was going to retire and go with him to Italy.

“Ohhh!” Dennys said thoughtfully. Then his brain took over for his heart, and he agreed that I should go with my husband. After another big hug, he left, mumbling to himself.

It was a priceless interchange that I have already written in my journal. My relationships with Dennys and so many other students have made my years in education much more than gratifying and satisfying. They have been priceless and unforgettable. I shall cherish all of them.

Thank you all,

Dr. Morich

IT”S TIME!

People always told me that when it’s time to retire, you will know it. Now I can attest to that as the truth.

I sent an email to my principal, “Could you meet with me after school today?” She said that would be fine; so, I went into her office with my happy face on.

“I have exciting news!”

“Really? What is it?”

“Well, my husband Peter has been accepted into a year-long Masters program in Food Culture and Communication at the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences.”

“Oh, my goodness! That IS exciting news! I’m sure he is so pleased! When does he start?”

“March 21!”

“And it’s for a year? Where is the University?”

“Ahhhhh, Pollenzo, Italy. Sort of Northeast of Genoa in Piemonte.”

“ITALY? Oh, my goodness! He’ll be gone for a whole year? You’ll really miss him, won’t you?”

With my head cocked to the side, “Hmmm, well, no, I really won’t.” And I handed her an envelope.

Looking suspicious, my principal took the envelope, “What IS this?” She caught her breath, “You’re retiring, aren’t you?” and she read the letter, “WHAT! YOU’RE GOING WITH PETER, AND YOU’RE RETIRING ON DECEMBER 1^ST...in just 2 months!?” She looked up at me, smiling. “This is a FANTASTIC opportunity! I am sooooo jealous and happy for both of you, but are you sure....never mind...that would have been a really stupid question.”

From there, she came around her desk to give me a hug and tell me how excited she was for Peter and me. She understood that by retiring on December 1^st, I would be able to spend some time with the new grandchild and our 1 ½ year old grandchild before leaving for the year. She just wanted to be me at that moment and take off to spend lots of time with grandchildren and then jet off to Italy for an extended stay.

I didn’t blame her. Peter and I are both pinching ourselves about our upcoming adventure. It’s time for retirement! Oh, yes! IT’S TIME!

Ciao,

Dr. Morich