Dear Zach Eflin,

I'm sure I surprised you when I told you just over a week ago that your first complete game and major league win brought me to tears.  Your second complete game had a similar effect on me this past Friday.  I appreciate your part in my Phillies story, and the history of the organization.  I'm crossing my fingers that I get to see you pitch in person soon.

I know the Phillies do it every year, but I'm still floating from experiencing Photo Day at Citizens Bank Park.  I know that I was only one of over 37,000 fans that day, yet I left the park feeling like I was the most important fan there.  I still have a spring in my step from having the opportunity to say hello and thank you to so many of my favorite players, coaches, broadcasters, and of course the Phanatic and Phoebe.  I'm especially grateful to my new usher friend, Glenn, who made sure I saw everyone on my list.  I felt like all involved were there for the sole purpose of helping me realize a childhood dream.  I actually got to hug the real Phillie Phanatic.

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and first discovered my affinity for the Phillies when I was watching them play my Dad's Cubs.  They were really behind in the second inning, 13-2, I think, and Greg Luzinski was up to bat.  My Dad asked who I thought was going to win.  I said the Phillies.  They won 18-16 that day, and I have been a Phillie Phan ever since.  Thanks to Google, I know that day was April 17, 1976.  

My Dad took us to games at Wrigley when he could.  I don't remember a single score from the games he took us to, but I remember him encouraging me whenever the Cubs defeated the Phillies.  I remember that there was a picture of Ernie Banks smiling on the front of every score card.  I remember loving spending time with my Dad and my brother.  I remember defending Tug McGraw to some frustrated Cubs fans and Tug McGraw winking at me.  I remember thinking Ron Reed was the tallest man I had ever seen.  Experiencing Wrigley with my Dad and brother was where my admiration for pitchers began.

Last week's Photo Day was an opportunity for me to be that little girl again.  My teacher friends were there to watch the game with me.  

They said watching me experience this was like watching their kids experience Disney World for the first time.  My aunt, uncle, and cousins also came to cheer on the Phillies with me.  My family and friends were able to think and speak for me when my excitement made me speechless, especially when I went to say thanks to Greg Luzinski or to tell Ryan Howard how much my class loved his Little Rhino books.

 

 I loved reminiscing with my family about watching games with Granddad.  

The Phillies have been always been there for all of us.

While we were at the game, we had the pleasure of sitting in front of some very enthusiastic Mets fans.  I really enjoyed their banter, and I know my friends did, too.  The whole time I kept thinking there's a great lesson here.  Respect different opinions.  You don't have to see eye to eye with people to have a great time together.  This lesson definitely applies to education, too.  It's one of the most important lessons I hope my first graders learn every year.  One of the reasons I love this game so much is the number of people I've met who love baseball as much as I do.  Baseball connects my past, my present, and my future.  When I'm at the ballpark, I get to be Ellen.

I also had the pleasure of meeting some new Phillies fans who I hope to see at future games.  If you see a resemblance to Bryce Harper you're not alone.  I really enjoyed discussing our favorite players with them and soaking up the ballpark experience with them.

My aunt and uncle also took me to see the Fightin Phils play the Trenton Thunder on this trip, and we went back to Citizens Bank park on Monday to see the Phillies play the Marlins.  I roamed the park that day to take more pictures from different angles.  I had a second opportunity to say thanks to the pitchers and coaches in the bullpen.  I got to photograph the Phillies Wall of Fame and wonder where Jim Thome's plaque will go next month.

This is just a portion of my Phillies story.  I tell people every year baseball helps me through the two most challenging times of the school year, the beginning and the end.  I appreciate your struggles as well as your triumphs.  I am grateful for your efforts because they inspire me to keep trying regardless of how challenging things get.  

Thanks for giving me High Hopes:)

Your friend in North Carolina,

Ellen 

Happy Offseason!

The Cubs were coming to Atlanta.  My niece and nephew had never seen their Dad's Cubs in person.  My brother, niece, and nephew have been to several Phillies games with me in the last few years, and we watch our local triple A team, the Charlotte Knights, whenever possible. This would be their first experience watching their Dad's Cubs.

We piled into the car early Saturday with the intent of getting ahead of Atlanta traffic.  We were hoping to get a few autographs before the game, and I was hoping to get enough great shots of the Cubs that I could make them a Cubs photo book.

The June sun made the minutes we waited to see players seem like they were in slow motion.  The kids waited with their sharpies and their baseballs and were blessed with signatures from Kyle Hendricks and Tim Federowicz.  When my brother and the kids decided to go to their seats, I went over to left field so I could take some pictures of the starting pitcher and catcher before the game.  Unlike the rainy day we were at Turner Field to see one of my favorite pitchers, Roy Halladay, today we had blue sky and bright sunshine to see one of my brother's favorite pitchers, Jake Arrieta.  

Despite the heat we had a blast enjoying the game.  The Cubs won, I got lots of great pictures, and we enjoyed our hot dogs and popcorn.  It was pretty awesome to carry on the family tradition of baseball.

I have always loved baseball because it connects my past to my present and gives me moments to look forward to in my future.  I have loved the memories my brother and I share of baseball with my Dad before he got cancer, and that we get to share our love of baseball with his children.  I love the stories of players and their struggles and their triumphs.  I love that every time I turn around I make a new friend because of baseball.  I love that I get to combine baseball with my love of photography and share my photos with others.  Baseball allows me to forget all my concerns for a short while and get lost in the story of the game.  Baseball helps this teacher keep balance in her life.

I have always loved watching the pitchers because they direct the game.  The teacher in me can relate to the pressures they face.  I admire their strategy, confidence, and perseverance.  They have to keep track of multiple situations at the same time, and their success depends on how well their teammates support their efforts.  I admire their ability to adapt to change.  I admire their ability to learn from their mistakes.  

My goal every day when I walk into my classroom is to teach with major league effort.  I also have learned the importance of the offseason.  I wish all my teacher friends an awesome offseason!

Dear Bret Boone,

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs.  My Dad loved baseball and enjoyed sharing his love for his Cubs with my brother and me. 

One day my Dad and I were watching the Phillies play the Cubs on our 13 inch black and white television.  The Phillies were behind 13-2, and I think it was the second inning. Greg Luzinski was up to bat.  My Dad asked me, "Who do you think is going to win, Ellen?"  Without hesitation I said, "I think the Phillies are going to win, Dad."  

They won in extra innings that day, 18-16, and I have been a Phillies fan ever since. Thanks to Google, I know that day was April 17, 1976.  From that moment on, my Mom and I cheered for her hometown Phillies, and my Dad and brother continued to cheer for their Cubs.  

On special occasions we got to see games at Wrigley Field.  I don't remember any statistics from those games.  I do recall Ernie Banks smiling at us on the cover of every scorecard, my Dad teaching us how to keep score, and crying if the Phillies lost.  My Dad would hug me and reassure me that it wasn't the end of the world.  

One time he got us seats by the Phillies bullpen.  Some Cubs fans were teasing Tug McGraw about a recent aftershave commercial he had done.  I got mad and yelled at them and told them to leave my Tug alone.  I will never forget Tug McGraw winking at me when my Dad got me to sit back down.  I also remember watching Ron Reed warm up that day and thinking he must be as tall as a giant.

When the Phillies won the series in 1980, our Philadelphia family members sent me clippings and other souvenirs.  My Mom made signs celebrating the Phillies with Peanuts characters.  I was so excited to see pictures of all my favorite players and read about them.  I recall being upset when I discovered many years later that those clippings had disintegrated.  Fortunately, my original stuffed Phanatic from 1980 did survive my many moves:)

I started reading your book earlier this week, and I couldn't put it down.  For the two days I spent reading it, I was a child in Chicago again, my parents were still healthy, and I got lost in the inside stories of the Boone family.  It was the most wonderful respite for me.  I enjoyed your descriptions of your family relationships the most.  I believe this book isn't just a must read for Phillies fans.  Your book is a must read for anyone who truly loves the game of baseball.  I can't thank you enough for writing it.  I will continue to spread the good word about your story.

Please thank your brother and your Dad for me for being part of so many families' baseball stories.  While I was reading it, I really felt like I knew your Grandfather, too.

I am tagging many of my teacher friends who love baseball with the hope that they have the opportunity to read it this summer as well.

Thanks again. 

Your friend in North Carolina,

Ellen

Dear Phillippe Aumont,

It is April 3, 2013.  My brother, niece, nephew, and I are making our way on a cloudy and chilly day to Turner Field.  It's my niece and nephew's first major league game.  I'm excited beyond measure because my memories of going to Wrigley with my Dad and my brother are some of my most cherished.  I can't wait for my niece and nephew to experience similar adventures with their Dad.  I know I will take a bazillion pictures...I'm always on a mission to get that one amazing shot.  I dream of sharing those pictures with Phillies charities one day.  

The four of us park, equipped with our rain gear and full of anticipation.  We know rain is a possibility, but we remain optimistic.  We stop to take pictures by Greg Maddux's number because my brother has been a Cubs fan his whole life.  Then we purchase our tickets and enter the stadium.  I pull out my camera as we approach the left field wall.  Our jaws drop in awe.  My hands are shaking.  When I am at the ballpark, my 9 year old self, who first became a Phillies fan because of Greg Luzinski, can't process her excitement.  At times, I can't even speak because I can't believe I'm watching my favorite team in person.  I start clicking away, amazed that so many of my favorite players are here.  

I think the teacher in me has always loved watching the pitchers the most.  I appreciate their ability to lead the game, their strategy for each batter, and the strength they exhibit in all circumstances.  I am inspired by their perseverance.

My niece and nephew are just happy to be here, holding their gloves, and taking in the beauty of the field and all the activity.  Because I am like a kid at Disney taking my pictures, forgetting my own problems, I don't see that you have thrown me a ball.  I drop the ball.  Before I have time to process that I have missed this opportunity to give my niece and nephew an amazing souvenir, you come back and throw me the ball again.  Thankfully, this time I caught it.  I am sure you have done this countless times in your career, but on that day, you made a lifelong memory for my niece and nephew.  I will never forget the looks on their faces. I can never thank you enough for giving me a second chance to catch that ball.

The Phillies didn't win that day.  We were so excited to see Roy Halladay, and we hoped he felt our support despite his struggles.  The rain at times was relentless, but we laughed ourselves silly.  We were excited when Chase Utley hit a home run, and I was thrilled to have the chance to thank Gregg Murphy in person for his efforts and the other broadcasters' efforts to bring the Phillies home to fans each game.

My niece noticed as soon as she looked at her program that she was born on your birthday.  Both of the kids drew me pictures when we returned to our friends' home where we were staying in Atlanta.  My nephew drew a picture of Roy Halladay, and my niece drew a picture of all the Phillies, including you, lining up to talk with the two of us.  

When I heard this Spring that the White Sox had signed you I was thrilled that I would have the chance to see you pitch again as a Charlotte Knight.  I made the mistake of assuming I would have the chance to thank you in person this summer.  

I am also grateful for the conversation we had a year later when I gave you pictures my first graders had drawn when you were an Ironpig.  You helped me get over my Phillies jitters that day.

I will always be a Phillippe Aumont fan.  I am confident that whatever God has planned for you next, you are going to be a positive influence on all those who cross your path. Thanks for all you did for the Phillies and for baseball.

Your friend in North Carolina,

Ellen

It's the Last Inning, Ellen

Three weeks to go.  Fourteen days.

This is the time of year when I attempt to make lists so I won't forget anything.  This is the time of year when I fight the inner battle of self doubt.

Have I done everything I am supposed to do to help every one of my students make progress every day?  Have I continually encouraged the ones who continue to struggle?  Have I consistently thanked the ones who do what I ask the first time?  Have I remembered to challenge all of my students?

I struggle with thinking I'm just not enough.  I keep thinking I need more time and more help.  Both of these are resources that are diminishing daily and will soon run out.  At some point, I have to say, to myself, "Ellen, it's not about you.  It's about your students.  Of course, you're done.  It's time to celebrate another school year completed."

This is the also time of year when God sends me a downpour of reminders that I'm not alone in my journey as lead learner.  He reminds me that He has been with me every step of the way.  He reminds me that He guides all of our learning.

Those reminders for me started coming Friday morning around 9:30am, when a student from my first class of first graders showed up to help.  I had invited her to come for our last Skype with our @Chattothefuture friends in Uganda.  She helped me do some decorating in the hall and helped me get the classroom ready for the Skype.  During the Skype, she took pictures and encouraged my current students to share what they had drawn earlier that day with our friends in Kampala.  Her presence reminded me of how quickly time passes, and how much I need to pay attention to each individual child.  She is an amazing artist and will be a senior in high school in the fall.  When she was in first grade every assignment she turned in was a preview of how God was going to use her artistic talent to make the world a more beautiful place.  Watching her grow in confidence and compassion has been an honor for me.  I am blessed to know her and her family.

About an hour later two more mothers of my current students arrived to help keep the children engaged - especially if we had technical difficulties.  Shortly after my two grade moms from last year arrived and then one of my grade moms from this year arrived.  Six fourth graders came to participate as well.  My assistant principal was also able to catch a few minutes of our cross continents conversation.   Having so much support of my class as we sang and talked with our friends was overwhelming for me.  I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to share with my class this opportunity to serve.  I hope that I have the chance to thank the children in Uganda personally one day.  Their smiles have been bright lights for me in the last two years.  I hope to tell many more teachers about this project at ISTE this summer.  

Saturday morning our school ran in a local 5K sponsored by our YMCA. Our team had about 200 members.  Running has never been on my list of favorite things to do, but I will push my allergic asthmatic self for the sake of our students.  I will admit my lower half still hurts a couple days later, but as my principal reminded me today, it's a good kind of pain.

When I approached the finish line I heard more people than I could count cheering for me.  My friend brought me water and a banana.  Another handed me a fan.  Before I knew it I had found my balance again, and our students were everywhere.  We had the privilege of cheering for a woman who did the entire race in a wheel chair.  Watching her complete the race was inspiring beyond description.  

Saturday afternoon I had the privilege of watching my nephew play baseball.  He grows in confidence and ability every season.  What impresses me most about him is how grateful he is to have his family show up to watch him play.  His gratitude was such a gift, and I enjoyed having the chance to hang out with him on Saturday.  One of the main highlights of our adventures was him working on his somersaults in the pool.

Sunday I found myself at church surrounded by my friends.  They lift me up regardless of how I'm doing.  This small church community has become my home and my family, and I love Sunday's because of them.

I am reminded of one of my favorite Bible verses.  Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength."  I know I'm not the only teacher who feels herself running out of energy, and I know I'm not the only one who struggles with self doubt.  My hope is that if you're reading this, you are encouraged to look for those bright lights in these last few weeks that remind you even when you feel isolated, you are never alone.  Our calling is sacred, and we're indeed all in this together.

We had Field Day today at our school.  I decided to read The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires and have my students create their own most magnificent things.  I hope you have a most magnificent "final inning" to this most magnificent school year.  As always, thank you for lifting me up each and every day and helping me grow as an educator and more importantly as a human being.  

You remind me every day of how blessed I am to be a teacher.

Happy Mother's Day!

Since losing my Mom I have really struggled with Mother's Day.  It has not been a day of peace for me but a day of mourning. I have mourned the loss of my Mom--especially when I was with my niece and nephews.   I have struggled with my dream of being a wife and a mom not being realized.  

But...I'm sure you were sensing there's a but coming...this year is different.  I'll start with Friday.

On Friday I had the privilege of sharing one of my PLN friends with my school for the first time.  Cheryl Fisher came to our school Friday with her guide dog Sanka and her husband Ed and inspired our TK-2 grade students with her stories, her joy, and her faith.  I'm still floating from the experience, and I hope many more teachers are able to have this same experience with their class.  The expressions on their faces and their attentiveness during her talks were priceless gifts.  Those of us who have taught for any length of time know what an amazing accomplishment that is in the month of May:)

On Saturday I had the privilege of attending Mass to see many of my students from last year receive their first Holy Communion.  These Masses always remind me of how blessed I am to be able to share my faith with my students.  Watching these children make their public commitment to Christ inspires me.  I am grateful that I am able to share how Jesus has helped me with challenges I've faced and the loss of loved ones in my life.  When I made the decision to financially risk going back to school to switching careers the one thing I was certain of was that God wanted me in a faith based school.  My Mom was one of the few people who understood my certainty.  Yesterday I was reminded of why I listened to that still small Voice.

Today I am looking forward to worshipping with my small but strong church family.  I can't explain the peace I feel this morning as anything other than His perfect peace.  Last Sunday I officially became a member, and it felt like I was finally home.  Since losing my Mom I think I had felt I was spiritually homeless.  Since discovering my church, my village, I am finally home.  

Imagining what my Mom would say to me today:

"Ellen, enjoy this beautiful day.  My love for you is still with you.  Hug your brother and my grandkids for me.  Work hard till your principal tells you this school year is complete, savor your summer, and celebrate the small miracles you are given each day.  You are more blessed than you can see, expect the unexpected, and remember Honey, with God all things are possible!"

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!

P.S.  The first photo is of my Mom as a child at the Jersey shore.  

Faith Tested

Have you ever woke up to news that shook you to your core?  News so tragic you couldn't process it. News so sad you couldn't stop crying.  News you never expected to happen, let alone happen to someone you know.

That happened to me today.  Before I was a preschool teacher and before I was a first grade teacher, I worked with college students in student activities and residence life.  Many of these students have found me on Facebook, and I love hearing their news when I scroll through my newsfeed.  Because teaching took me away from Pennsylvania, physically keeping up with these students has become more and more difficult over the years.  Since discovering the positive power of my PLN on Twitter, I find myself checking Facebook less and less.  This morning when I saw a close friend had posted in a closed group we both belonged to curiosity got me to check.  When I read what he posted I was shocked and saddened beyond description.

One of my former students Stephen died last night, along with his wife Angela and their 3 children, when their house caught on fire.  I can't recall one conversation I had with Stephen, but I remember he was a great kid.  I remember him wishing me happy birthday in recent years on my Facebook wall and smiling big when pictures of his family showed up in my newsfeed.  I had to know more about this family. 

What I saw posted in the last week by Stephen and Angela was beautiful, breath taking, faith filled. I was inspired by Angela's post regarding their son's autism. One of their daughter's had survived a serious illness, and they had lost a baby girl named Faith.  Every post was genuine, honest and filled with love.  These parents were celebrating life's little miracles like their kids getting 100% on a test at school.  They were grateful for the chance to have fun with their children playing in the yard.  You could tell this family was getting it right.  They were living their faith and celebrating the joy of each day they had together.  What struck me most was that they weren't complaining about their struggles.  They were celebrating the blessing of being a family.

Angela had posted two graphics in the last week which caused me great pause.

These images caused me to cry uncontrollably.  I couldn't see how this tragedy could be part of a good plan.  As today has unfolded I have realized what I should be focused on is their faith.  It's the kind of faith I pray for every day.  Faith that leads me to live each day God gives me with the certainty of His love and that I will share His love with those I cross paths with daily.  No one knows when they will be called or how.   I am choosing to focus on their faith.  This family shared Christ's love every day.  

My prayer for the remainder of this school year is that every word and thought I have reflects Christ's love.  Especially when I am the most exhausted from the end of the year frenzy every teacher faces, I pray that I remember this sweet family and choose to trust, to have faith, and to celebrate joy.  My thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends.