"You're Here!"

This week I spent a morning on Purdue's campus at the medical school building speaking to first year medical students. I'd done the same thing last year, and had been surprised that one of my former students, Kyle O., was in that group of grad students. We'd had a nice reunion and quick catch up back then, and I had my fingers crossed that I might see him again this year. (See below for more about that day.)

But, since I was speaking to first year med students and Kyle was now a second year, I knew that it was pretty unlikely.

When I was finished, I stepped out into the hallway, now crowded with students, and began making my way through the crush to the elevators. Suddenly I heard,

"You're HERE!!" 

and Kyle was standing in front of me with his arms wide open for a hug. 

"I was hoping I'd run into you today!" he cried when we stepped apart.

"I was, too, but since you aren't a first year med student, I didn't think I would," I replied. "Why are you here now?"

Kyle looked a little sheepish. "Well, I mentored the new first year med students last week when they arrived and helped them get settled into the program, so..."

(I was not surprised. Kyle was that kind of helpful sort of guy back in 4th and 5th grade, too.)

We stood there chatting a bit and he shared that he'd decided that his specialty was going to be orthopedic surgery. And then his his eyes twinkled as he grinned and said,

"You've already had everything replaced, so I guess I'll never be your surgeon."

"Oh, yeah?" I retorted. "I still have one real hip left. I'll save it for you, okay?"

And we laughed together, had a few more hugs, and parted.

I dug through my photos when I got home and found this one of Kyle speaking at an end of the year surprise banquet the parents had thrown for me in 2012. (Go here to read about that.)

At the end of the banquet, the kids had swarmed me for a group hug and there's a much younger (and MUCH shorter) Kyle visible in the crowd!

Memories that I treasure but that also make me wish I were still in the classroom. I taught some of the nicest, sweetest kids on the planet and I miss those days.
 

I hope I am asked back next year to speak to the first year med students again. I enjoy it and both times have found the med students to be caring men and women who are anxious to learn.

And  I sure hope that I run into Kyle again if I am asked to return. Seeing someone that you spent two years with in the classroom, someone you came to love and care about, is awesome. Especially when you get a glimpse into their adult life and discover that, yes, they ARE the great people you thought they were. Kyle is all that and more.

Here's that account from last year and the first time I'd bumped into Kyle since he was in elementary school.

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August 13, 2025

I spent the morning on Purdue's campus speaking to first year medical students on the topic, "The Asymmetrical Relationship between Doctor and Patient." Kind of a complicated topic but essentially the point was to help the medical students better see the patient's perspective.

As I introduced myself, I mentioned that my background was in Education and that I'd taught locally. Not expecting an affirmation, I asked, "Were any of you in my class or go to Hershey Elementary?"

To my surprise, a hand went up and a voice I knew said, "Me! I was in your class."

He held up his name placard, and my jaw dropped. Kyle O., a really great kid who was in my class for 4th and 5th grade.

And who is now a whole lot taller than he was twelve years ago. (Later during the morning, someone asked a rhetorical question, "Where were you twelve years ago?" and Kyle piped up, "I was in Mrs. I's class." Hah!)

After the session was over, Kyle and I caught up just a bit before he had to go to the next one. I went home smiling - it always does my heart good to see a former student.

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I'll share one last post on acquiring a service dog (it's Pepper's turn!) and then move on to other things that have been happening, including the Breyer "decorator" I found on eBay.

Stay 'tooned!

It's Been a Week!

It's been a week. And it's not yet over. I don't usually begin the day tired, but I am this morning. Here's a summary of what I've been doing.

Sunday

Spoke to a congregation Sunday morning. My legs were very weak and I ended up speaking from the podium while seated on my walker. (It's a neurological issue we are trying to figure out. Comes and goes. But when present, my legs feel like they are made of Jello.)

Lisa, Nash, and Molly came over for Sunday dinner (Curt and family couldn't come) and lucky us, Lisa cooked for us. (She's a very good cook!)

Monday

Spent the day in Lisa's classroom helping her get ready for the start of school.

Both Titan (10) and Susie (7) had birthdays so we made phone calls to them in the evening.

Tuesday

Spent the morning working in the sewing room. 

Drove to Indy for our twice a month volunteer work and got home very late. Picked up Pepper and Tammo from Lisa's home, fell into bed exhausted.

Wednesday

Spent the morning on Purdue's campus speaking to first year medical students on the topic, "The Asymmetrical Relationship between Doctor and Patient." Kind of a complicated topic but essentially the point was to help the medical students better see the patient's perspective.

As I introduced myself, I mentioned that my background was in Education and that I'd taught locally. Not expecting an affirmation, I asked, "Were any of you in my class or go to Hershey Elementary?"

To my surprise, a hand went up and a voice I knew said, "Me! I was in your class."

He held up his name placard, and my jaw dropped. Kyle O., a really great kid who was in my class for 4th and 5th grade.

And who is now a whole lot taller than he was twelve years ago. (Later during the morning, someone asked a rhetorical question, "Where were you twelve years ago?" and Kyle piped up, "I was in Mrs. I's class." Hah!)

After the session was over, Kyle and I caught up just a bit before he had to go to the next one. I went home smiling. It always does my heart good to see a former student.

More sewing in the afternoon - the Feast is starting to weigh pretty heavily on my mind.

Thursday

I spent the morning with my friend, Kathy. She left Tate (her guide dog) at her parents' home and we went and got pedicures together. She just retired from teaching but she is still very connected to the schools and she was able to catch me up on mutual teacher friends and things that are happening in our local schools.

Once again, the afternoon was spent sewing and I worked until almost 7:00 PM. (I try to stop by 6:00 at the latest, but that's not happening right now.)

Friday (Today)

Pepper goes to the vet this morning to get her monthly Percorten shot to help her manage her Addison's Disease. 

Nash and Molly are coming over to play and spend the day while Lisa works.

I have a late morning physical therapy appointment.

More sewing this afternoon. (And dogs. Lots of doggy time.)

Best of all, tonight is the first Friday Night Lights of the season! It's just a scrimmage but that's okay. For years, Craig, Lisa, and I have been following Craig's high school football team, and it's a lot of fun. I mostly enjoy going out for dinner together and then sitting out in the fresh air, watching the sun set and the big lights come on over the field, while those two avidly discuss players, plays, and more with each other. We all go home tired and happy.

Saturday & Sunday

The first soccer games of the season for Mila and Lukie are on Saturday. Those will be during the heat of the day and temps are expected to be in the 90s. I may not make the games but I intend to try. 

We will celebrate Tammo's 4th birthday on Sunday. Nashie, Mama, and maybe Gus will be coming over to help. I have some frozen pup cups I think they will enjoy.

Like I said, it's been a week!

Gone to School!

Nothing bad, just heading to campus today. I'm speaking at Purdue's Med School to students about care for people with issues like mine.

The instructor is a friend and asked if I would come share my experiences as someone who has had a lot of surgeries and medical care.

Wish me luck!