Happy Easter Everyone!

Top (Left to Right): Freddi, David, Stephen, Loren
Bottom (Left to Right): Chris, Barb, me, Aubrey and Lanie

Hello, and happy Easter to you all. The day started out by Lanie waking us up to tell us that it was daytime, and eventually, after coffee was made, and the easter bunny had time to do her thing, Lanie got to go and find all of her eggs and her basket. She ate quite a few of her candies, and got herself pretty wound up. After breakfast, we packed ourselves up and went on our way out to Wyoming County for the day.

This year was the second time in as many years that we have spent the holiday with our Aunt Barbara, Uncle Chris, David, Freddi, Stephen, and of course Murphy out in Arcade. It was a wonderful day today - though cold, the sun was out, and Aunt Barb had her flowers out in the front (though they were plastic, the wonderful thing is that they are so colorful - it is a sign of the spring colors to come!!!).

Murphy

Lanie went right in the house and without a second thought, started hunting for any easter-related items that the easter bunny may have hidden for her there - and low and behold, she found (and ate) many! I have to mention how nostalgic it is for me to see her do that - some of my fondest memories as a child were at Aunt Barbara's and Uncle Chris's house at Easter.

Lanie - after she hid in the back room and ate a bunch of chocolate - came out from the back room (look at her face) with a bunch of empty wrappers, and told us that she did not eat any chocolate... hmmm...

I won't write too much at the moment since we literally just got in the door from our drive home, and I am very tired and still getting over an UGLY cold (and starting to get a little loopy from the NyQuil that I just took), but I wanted to post a few of the photos from today, and type up a little blurb. Hoppy Easter Everyone!

I feel honored

I just wanted to share something with you all. Today I received a letter in the mail from my school district which read:

Dear Ms. King:

The senior class of Irondequoit High School is inviting you to participate in the 2008 Commencement Ceremony as a Class Marshall. You have been selected by the students as an individual who has had a positive influence on them. The selection by students of our class recognizes the hard work and joy for learning and life that West Irondequoit has promoted during the past twelve years. Because of your special contribution to our education and growth, we hope that you will join with the others selected as Marshals to lead our class to graduation on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at the Eastman Theatre for Irondequoit's 85th Commencement Ceremony.

The letter was sent from the Class of 2008 Senior Class Officers.


All I have to say is - I am touched. It is one thing to be recognized by other members of the faculty and staff. When the students remember you, when THEY are the ones that want you to be there - well, that is really something special. Of course I will be there. I am so pleased that I made a difference to someone. Isn't that why I started teaching to begin with?

The death of a cousin

I am sad to say that our cousin Monica passed away earlier this week. I never knew her, but I have met William and Denise, and know that they truly are the salt of the earth. I can't imagine how difficult this all has been for them, and my heart simply breaks for them. The email below is what William sent out earlier today to let us know about her passing:

To all, It is with deep sorrow that I am sending this email. On Sunday, 3/2/08 our daughter Monica passed away at her home between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. Her husband found her laying in bed, with foam at the mouth and a fluid at the nose.On the advise of a 911 operator, he laid her on the floor and administered CPR. Her jaw was locked tight and he could not get his finger into her throat to clear her air passage. He said she still had a pulse, but very weak at the neck. Shortly thereafter the Paramedics arrived and they were not able to revive her......She just turned 35 on 1/11/08....She had a complete physical two weeks prior to this and was in good health.....At this time the cause of death is undetermined, pending the autopsy results in Baltimore, Md......I apologize for the late notification. My whole world has been turned upside down and with trying to notify everyone I can, the arrangement's, the lack of sleep, food etc. I feel like a walking zombie! Some of you may not even read this email until all is over. But I can take comfort in knowing that when you do, your thought's and prayer's will be with us.......The arrangement's are as follows: Viewing and service will be held on Friday, 3/7/08 at the First Lutheran Church.....6300 Southern Maryland Blvd., Huntingtown, Md. 20639. (410) 257-3030......Family viewing 9:30am....Public viewing 10:00am.....Church service 11:00am....With cremation to follow. Since Monica will be cremated, flowers are welcomed, but we will divide them and bring them home. Once they wilt, we will use the vase's to plant green leafy plant's in hopes they will last for years to come in her memory. For those who wish to do so, you can make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @ http://www.stjudetribute.org/. In memory of Monica Marie DeAgro Edwards. For those of you who do not have our address, It's 532 Bedford Drive Charles Town, WV. 25414 Home phone (304) 725-4149 My cell (304) 676-9257 Much love to all and God bless! William & Denise DeAgro