Firsts.......

As I stopped for schoolchildren on my way to work, I remembered what the "first" day of school felt like. It always combined fear, anticipation, and excitement. Although, I recalled on my first day of kindergarten, my mother had to call my uncle to help her because I kept running away from her grasp and refused to go to school. They chased me through and around the house but I was quick and did manage to evade them for at least half an hour. Once at school, I was fine but the fear factor was much higher than the excitement factor.

Then there was first day of high school. I had to be "cool" but when I broke out with a zit on my forehead I didn't care what I wore.

The first day of college, I was sure they gave me the wrong key to my dorm room because I couldn't  get the door  open. Of course it was the right key and I was sweating too much to get it into the keyhole.  I remember "Runaround Sue" was the popular song at the time.

First day of grad school I got the worst cold of my life and couldn't stop sneezing and coughing as I took every remedy known at the time. (I also thought I was Black then)

Now, as I prepare to take my first online grad course, I call to register only to find out after having transcripts rushed, filling out forms, and finding the right class, that it is only offered to Virginia residents and that you must take it on-campus. Yes, 95% of it is online but, "I'm so sorry. Didn't anyone tell you it was one of the few courses that required bodily presence?"

There is a first for everything and as we go through them, some are filled with conquest, while others offer disappointment. I must say that as I get older I just shrug and say,  "let's move on."

Nicole's Angels

.My cousin Nicole had brain surgery recently and as a result of a stroke during surgery was left paralyzed on one side. She has been shuffled between hospitals to nursing homes, given some physical and speech therapy but nothing consistent.  Christopher, her brother, has taken it upon himself to raise money to help bring in therapists and bring her to a level of functioning so that she may have a better quality of life.  His goal was to raise $10, 000.  The last I checked he had reached $9,000. I know that this is just a drop in a bucket when hiring good therapists who will make a difference.  If you remember, Senator Gifford  underwent therapy for over a year to get to a speaking level. It takes an exhausting amount of time, effort, and repetition. Nicole is up for the challenge. She has always been a fighter.  Although I am a "second cousin" I have always felt like an uncle to her

I illustrated with two fighting angels because I hope you who will join her crusade to fight for life.

If you can donate, please do, if not, please say a prayer. She is a beautiful woman both inside and out and she could use some comforting and support. Oprah had her angels. Now, Nicole needs hers. You can take a look at her blog at Nicole and her angels. Thank you.

CONGRATULATIONS READERS.......

15,000 OF YOU HAVE looked at my blog.  Thanks to all of you for making that happen. I can't tell you how great you make me feel.  I started this blog out not knowing whether anyone would ever look at it. It began as, and still is, about me recovering from prostate cancer. The directions it took were impossible to predict. But, to all of you out there who are thinking of blogging, all I can say to all of you out there is try it. You have nothing to lose. You will find your audience or your audience will find you. It happened to me. And most important of all, have fun. For instance, after I saw the stats I got happy feet.

Let yourself go. I had the most fun when I didn't have any idea what I was going to write. I'd go in with an idea and it would change to something else. That's where I think creativity comes in. I don't think anyone can define creativity. It is letting go. Allowing yourself to have a good time. Umm, btw, I have a hard time doing that unless I let myself get lost in the moment. Since I am a "control freak" that's not an easy thing for me to say or do. Yet, that's when I have the most fun. 

And I have to tell you, that applies to all aspects of my life. Even my job. (I can't believe I'm working full time again. But, that's another post. And that will happen soon.) But for now and trying to stay on point, I am thrilled.  Thanks again readers. Please come back.