“The Stores will be crazy, so too the kids with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. So Be Thankful, Grateful, Charitable, and Kind, as you never know what someone else is going through, so be patient and smile!”
The obvious answer is my parents, siblings, and my wife of 50 years, but just as important are the educators and mentors I’ve had over the years. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my Aunt Marie, a Mother Superior of the St. Joseph’s order, who gave me an education in vocabulary over the years in our many games of Scrabble.
However, I owe my passion for writing to a college English Comp and Literature professor whose name escapes me, at St. Joseph University Night School in the Fall of 1977. He looked a little like a stand-up comic, Professor Irwin Corey. He dressed in a tweed coat with a bow tie and had an excellent eye for Photography, which he exhibited. I remember sharing with him my weakness in grammar, but he remarked, “You tell a good story, adding that even the best writers have proofreaders and editors. If this rings a bell with anyone who went to St. Joe’s, please share his name.
In my youth, attending MBS (Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Parochial School) in SW Philly, I had many teachers and nuns of the IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) order, none more than Sr. Mary Anthony in 1st grade. Other standouts were Sr. Santa Maria, 5th grade, Sr. Consuella in 7th grade, and her 3 C’s to Stay – COOL, CALM, and COLLECTIVE) until we moved in late January of 1969, midway through 7th grade. Also, my 2nd-grade teacher, Miss Dunn, and 3rd-grade teacher, Miss Fidaley.
My year and a half at St. Andrews in Drexel Hill also introduced me to some educators of the St. Joseph’s order. Standouts were Sr. Chrysostom and Sr. Margaret Richards.
At Upper Darby High School, I had many teachers, but most notably Dr. Brosius for Physics, Fagley in Basic College Math, and, not to be overlooked, my Shop Teachers, where I learned many practical skills, such as Welding, Carpentry, Leather/Silk Screening, and Mechanical Drawing.
Who were some of your favorite teachers and educators?
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The Holiday Season has always been special, especially now as an author of two timeless Philadelphia Holiday Stories. The window of time to offer my esteemed customers my two written contributions to the literary world is short. Both are cheaper than a pizza, and your family and friends will enjoy them for years to come. Heck, even the E*read and Audible versions are under $4, and cheaper than a bottle of water at the movies.
Please consider purchasing the book, e*read, or the Christmas story on Audible.
I’ve included a FREE LISTEN for you and your family to enjoy. Click on the links below – Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
http://www.A-Glimpse-From-Christmas-Past@Audible.com
Amazon Store URL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT5W5NZ9
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