The Median Sib

I just got off the phone from talking to my best friend, Patti. Patti is near my age — a few years younger - in her early fifties. We got to know each other in our church’s singles group, and have been good friends for six or seven years. We’ve seen each other through ups and downs, through various moves, various relationships, and we’ve sat together and boohooed over lost loves. Last year, though, she met Roger, and they had been together since then. I remember the first time I met Roger. All he could talk about was how wonderful and beautiful Patti is. I was so happy for her because she SO deserved having a good relationship where the guy really appreciated her. He danced, too - a definite plus in the boyfriend department. They spent this past weekend together, and last night, after watching the Titans game together at Patti’s house, Roger left to go back to his house. Patti got the call from Roger’s sister today - Roger apparently got up this morning and was eating a sandwich — and died. They don’t know if he had a heart attack or if he choked on the sandwich. Either way - he’s gone. His sister found him about six hours later.

Life is short. There are no guarantees.

Later note: The official cause of death was choking. He died eating a grilled cheese sandwich. He had knocked over a chair — apparently trying to do the self-Heimlich maneuver.

Monday mornings seem to always make me want to think of goals for the week. Not that I ever really stick to those goals, but I THINK about them anyway. Maybe writing them down will help me focus more on them.

First there is old faithful - the ever-present goal. I will exercise each day - even if it’s only getting outside for a 30-minute walk.

Second, eat reasonably and healthfully.

Third, go through one box of papers in the storage room.

The coming week will be unusual for me. I rarely travel for my job. However, I will be out of town at a reading conference from Wednesday evening until Friday evening. I’m driving my car to the conference, and three other reading specialists are riding with me. About fifteen of the twenty reading specialists in our school district are going. That’s because Regie Routman is one of the keynote speakers. I’m really looking forward to hearing her speak. I’ve read her books - they’re considered practically the Bible for reading education.

I feel fortunate that in the past year I have heard Ellin Keene, Shelley Harwayne, and Sharon Taberski speak. And now Regie Routman. Wow! These are all women who are well known nationally in the area of reading education. Ellin Keene was by far the most dynamic speaker, followed by Sharon Taberski. They both literally changed the way I teach.

Oops! Got sidetracked there! Back to weekly goals. The three I mentioned are it. I got sidetracked because I started to write that I would go through THREE boxes of papers, but then remembered that I would be at the conference and wouldn’t be home for half of the work week. So I’ll only shoot for one box.

So: exercise, diet, organize. The big three for the week.