Ocean surf, salt air, and getting the tumor out.

Exciting news! I am thrilled to welcome Cole Edmond Lenahan into the family. He was born on August 29th in Miami. I waited to have my surgery until after he was born and the family was back in a routine. I’ve had fun playing with big sister Elia, and am so thankful that I am able to help out. (That’s not Elia in the picture with Cole, that’s Bucky the Beagle.)

Speaking of the surgery, my brain will be in hands of Dr. Q. Hands that have climbed over the fence from Mexico. Hands that worked in the fields. Hands that cleaned oil tankers. Surgery is set for October 2nd at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Hurricanes, stay away!

I’m looking forward to hearing the ocean surf, smelling the salt air, and yes, getting the tumor out! I am confident that I have chosen the best surgeon for myself. He has quite a story to tell, as recorded in the book, Becoming Dr. Q – My Journey from Migrant Farmer to Brain Surgeon. I highly suggest reading this book if you want a good read about a very gifted student who followed his dreams and was open to new opportunities.

Another school year has begun, and I am not part of it. However, I am compelled to share a few thoughts.

One day my daughter sent me a text, ‘Put on your oxygen mask first’. We had been talking about how her sister, a first-grade teacher, went back to school during summer vacation to prepare her classroom for the year. When she walked into the room she found white mold covering her rug. Upon further inspection, mold was found on shelves, chairs, tables, and books. Books? Yes, books that were purchased using her own money so her students would be able to learn the love of reading, just like their teacher. Books that had to be trashed.

What does this have to do with an oxygen mask? Okay, don’t breathe in the mold spores. But there was more.

My daughter clarified. It’s a metaphor. When parents are flying with children, flight attendants always tell them to put on their own mask first before they help their kids. You are no good to anyone else if you do not take care of yourself first. How could I have missed that? She is right! Something I, like many women, have never done. We put others first. Always. Was this a philosophy learned in the 1950s when children were to be seen and not heard, and girls were expected to be nothing more than happy home-makers? Probably not. I think it’s more to do with personality. It’s why I did not want to retire. It’s why my husband always took care of his family and his students before he would ever take care of himself. It’s why one of his former students joked with him about spending his retirement money on his classes and delaying that well-deserved retirement in the sun. Lesson learned? Maybe. Probably not.

And why was there mold in the classroom? At the end of each school year teachers are required to put away and pack up all of their supplies. Art supplies, books, learning centers, writing supplies, files, everything. Desks and chairs are stacked, bookcases moved. Every single year. Can you imagine this being done in any other profession? Doctors, engineers, lawyers, mechanics, pack all of your materials up and move them to one side of the room.

In my daughter’s county, the contracted custodians polish the floor and steam clean the rug area at the end of each school year. As a cost saving technique, the county decided to cut off the air conditioning in those classrooms that were not used during the hot, humid summer. I’m sure this looked great on paper, but what happens when the rug is steam cleaned, doors and windows are shut, and there is no air conditioning in the steamy summer months?

It is my hope that teachers and parents will soon take back the education system. A system that is for the students. Not a tool for political means. Not a business to make people wealthy. It’s for the students. A simple mantra that could save public education. It’s for the students.

Is more computer testing, starting in first grade, good for the students?
Is requiring all students to read the same text and be on the same page in a math book good for the students?
Is taking recess and brain breaks good for students?
Is allowing students to read and discuss books good for students?
Are massive worksheets good for students?
Are hands-on experiences and problem solving good for students?

The list can go on and on. Some things benefit students, some do not. Think about it.

It is our responsibility to make our voices heard. Be aware. Do your research. Vote for people who will make a positive change in our educational system. Vote for people who will support schools that provide environments that will encourage the future Dr. Q’s.

You never know when you will find yourself in need of your very own Dr. Q.