American Phoenix

Twenty-five years ago today--January28, 1986--the nation suffered another in a long list of tragedies when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff.  This event was especially tragic in that school children around the nation were anxiously watching New Hampshire teacher Christa McAullife become the first "Teacher in Space."  She and her six crew members never made it.  The following, written that afternoon, is my tribute to them and the spirit of the nation.

"American Phoenix"

We stood and watched our brave young eagles dare
to see how high, how fast, how far they might
wing outward to the limits of the air
and then beyond, into the starry night.

With courage and with joy each one flew on,
a challenger of the unknown and all
of those who fear and cry that we have gone
too far and now, with wings aflame, must fall.

And with the triumphs that we all would share
will come the ashes of the times we fail.
But to succeed then we must greatly dare,
for in new victories our lossses pale.

This eagle, like the phoenix, folds its wings,
then from the fires bursts forth and soars and sings.

My Favorite Season of the Year

I’m sitting here looking out my windows at the sun shining off another five or six inches of new snow.  The neighbors are out, clearing it from walks and driveways, and the sound of snow blowers drowns out the nearby traffic noise.  If it were a school day instead of Sunday morning, we’d probably have another snow day.

I’ve always loved snow.  When I was a kid, of course, I liked snow because I liked to play in it and there’s really nothing better than waking up in the morning and hearing that school has been cancelled!  Come to think of it, these are still good reasons for me!  I like skiing, even if I don’t get to go very often—it’s been almost twenty years since I went last.  And snow days are probably more appreciated by teachers than by students.  We like to catch up on our sleep, too.

Students have asked me many times about my favorite season of the year.  That’s an easy one for me.  Winter is my favorite season because I love snow, my birthday is the first day of winter, and, of course, there isn’t a better holiday than Christmas.  And I like “winter” foods and clothes and activities.

The winter months seem to have more special days than other times of the year.  In my family there are several winter birthdays and Christmas is a big holiday for us, too.  My family gets together several times during the year, but Christmas is the best.  It’s more than exchanging gifts; we give one another support, good feelings, even suggestions when we’re complaining about work or kids or colleagues.  Of course, the food is wonderful.

Winter food is delicious.  And fattening.  From Halloween through Easter, especially if the winter is cold and snowy—everyone cooks the best food.  My wife, our sons’ families, in-laws and friends, and even I can get into the act when I’m on vacation . . . we all cook and bake: roasts, turkey, ham, cake, breads, pies, pastries, cookies, candy.  It’s an awful thing for someone trying to diet or keep his cholesterol down!  But it tastes so wonderful!

It’s a good thing winter clothes are usually baggy or there are several layers.  Something has to help hide the extra inches from all that good food.  But I like layering, especially wearing sweaters when it’s cold.  Wool and flannel are so comfortable, too.  Unlike many people, I don’t mind the hassle of coats and gloves and scarves and hats and boots.  I guess I like winter fashions.  My wife says she’s never known anyone who had so many coats and hats.

That’s me.  I’m a winter person.  When the first frost ices the grass and leaves, I break out my winter clothes and start asking about oatmeal cookies.  By the time the crocus pop out in the early spring, I’ve enjoyed myself thoroughly.  Then it’s time to clean my golf clubs and consider losing a few pounds.