The last of my college winter breaks...
It was particularly special, unusual, forgiving, exciting, and sad. My workshop production of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" went off amazingly - 58 kids were able to participate in the program and my staff was incredible. We practically sold out both performances and I made enough money to pay off a good portion of my credit card debt. It was very successful and exciting. The kids were adorable and fairly easy to work with, which also helps.
Jo Ellen Farricker passed away. She had a massive stroke on Friday, December 23 and passed on Tuesday, December 27. Along with my brother Jed and sister Eliza, I was able to be with her during her final hours. I went to Mass General, held her hand, and thanked her for being like a second mother to me. I told her I loved her and some other things that were important for me to say. It sounds bizarre, but I felt God in the room that night. With my big brother crying beside me, and old friends around us, and with Jo Ellen peacefully resting in her bed, I know she could hear us. Her youngest daughter, Zoe, is only 13 and I've known her since the day she was born. I often took care of her in the Longfellow nursery and she became a student of mine down the road as well. As soon as I heard about Jo Ellen, I spent many days with Zoe during that whole time, even slept at her house. Just hung out like we used to back in the day.
At the wake over 1000 people showed up. It was beautiful and I felt extremely proud to know her. As we were leaving I saw my father who I haven't seen or talked to in years. I just hugged him before he even knew who I was and we just cried and cried - then I bolted. The next day was the funeral and my dad did the eulogy. He had everyone singing "dance, dance wherever you may be..." softly for Jo Ellen by the end of it. Back at the Farricker's house we had our first face to face talk in years. I don't know where this will go, but it was a pretty huge deal. Missing my father has been a real struggle for me, so it was a very emotional day.
Then with the Mike scenario and us being friends again - I am very happy about that. I know we will be friends forevr, and that is the sweetest feeling.
Other than that, Christmas was awesome. I love my family. I'm back at school and still in unpacking mode. Going to be one CRAZY last semester.
:-)
Jo Ellen Farricker passed away. She had a massive stroke on Friday, December 23 and passed on Tuesday, December 27. Along with my brother Jed and sister Eliza, I was able to be with her during her final hours. I went to Mass General, held her hand, and thanked her for being like a second mother to me. I told her I loved her and some other things that were important for me to say. It sounds bizarre, but I felt God in the room that night. With my big brother crying beside me, and old friends around us, and with Jo Ellen peacefully resting in her bed, I know she could hear us. Her youngest daughter, Zoe, is only 13 and I've known her since the day she was born. I often took care of her in the Longfellow nursery and she became a student of mine down the road as well. As soon as I heard about Jo Ellen, I spent many days with Zoe during that whole time, even slept at her house. Just hung out like we used to back in the day.
At the wake over 1000 people showed up. It was beautiful and I felt extremely proud to know her. As we were leaving I saw my father who I haven't seen or talked to in years. I just hugged him before he even knew who I was and we just cried and cried - then I bolted. The next day was the funeral and my dad did the eulogy. He had everyone singing "dance, dance wherever you may be..." softly for Jo Ellen by the end of it. Back at the Farricker's house we had our first face to face talk in years. I don't know where this will go, but it was a pretty huge deal. Missing my father has been a real struggle for me, so it was a very emotional day.
Then with the Mike scenario and us being friends again - I am very happy about that. I know we will be friends forevr, and that is the sweetest feeling.
Other than that, Christmas was awesome. I love my family. I'm back at school and still in unpacking mode. Going to be one CRAZY last semester.
:-)