Thursday, October 25, 2018

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in January of 2009. This was our second visit to NYC, so that Mattie could start the experimental immunotherapy treatment. In order to be eligible for this drug, it had to first be administered at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Then all remaining treatments were given at Georgetown Hospital. The one positive of the trip was the hotel. When we checked in, they took one look at Mattie in his wheelchair and upgraded up to a penthouse suite. It was an incredible room and with balconies. I have to say that NYC is a challenge when you are well, but with Mattie in a wheelchair and immuno-compromised, it was practically impossible. 


Quote of the day: I tell you, in this world being a little crazy helps to keep you sane. ~ Zsa Zsa Gabor

It was a LONG day today! We got to my mom's school at 11:30am. We did not leave until 4:30pm.  This is a photo of all the inducted teachers in the Hall of Honors. It was the inaugural induction, with the hopes that more teachers can be given this distinguished honor each year. The number one criteria for being selected was that a teacher had to have provided service to the school for at least 25 years. Believe it or not, my mom was the ONLY math teacher given this honor today. A permanent plaque will be on display in the school's front entrance. 

My mom is pictured with the current principal of DeWitt Clinton High School on the left and John, the president of the school's alumni association on the right. My mom got to make a speech as well, and I was happy I got to video tape it. She spoke for about seven minutes and what was clear was she was a female pioneer at her school. Most teachers at the time were men and my mom not only taught, but developed a curriculum on statistics, helped to run the math honor society, served as a college advisor as well as the program chair. 

This was what she received to take home, but there will be a plaque just like this that will be on display at the school. 

From left to right are:

Larry Stein, David Fuchs (the principal when my mom taught at the school), Eugene Weissman (my mom's friend and also a math teacher), Ronee (Eugene's wife), and my mom. 

I would have to say that a highlight for any teacher, is when the teacher is reconnected with former students. Not to mention to learn how successive these students turned out! My mom was surrounded today.

From left to right:

Gary, David, my mom, and Terry

My mom and one of her favorite students, Gary. Gary is also a Mattie Miracle supporter. 

After the ceremony! Eugene, Ronee, my dad, my mom and me.

After the ceremony, I planned a dinner for my mom. I had one heck of a time finding this restaurant. GPS was no help and I land up in NJ, rather than in NY. So we were about 30 minutes late to a dinner a was hosting. That made me totally frazzled after a long week. 

Pictured from left to right:

Naomi (my lifetime friend's mom), my dad, Ronee, Eugene, my mom, and Gary. 

Standing from left to right: Lisa (Gary's wife), Karen (my lifetime friend) and me

The restaurant made my mom a cake to celebrate this momentum occasion!

The floral arrangement I had made. Johnston's Florist did a spectacular job. I loved talking to the florist on the phone. They captured the exact look I was hoping for!!!

Overall, it was a bittersweet day because I was surrounded by a caliber of teachers who I know no longer exist in schools today. These teachers lived and breathed their school and wanted to do whatever it took to make a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers who to this day love their colleagues, the school, and want to spend time together because of great respect. I could also see that the graduates in the auditorium still had admiration and respect for their teachers, despite the decades that have lapsed by. However, since the school was in session, I was able to see the current student body and the physical state of the facility. All I can say is some changes are not always for the better, and that things never stay as you remember them to be.