A Tribute To My Father

Last night marked a big day in my life; seven years to the day since my father passed and my first Back To School Night as a principal of an elementary school. It was a bittersweet day indeed. Looking back on that day in the hospital, alot has changed in my life. I was a junior at Rowan University majoring in Special Education and coaching HS football at Triton Regional HS. Since my father's passing away, I have been busy with life:

Graduated from Rowan University with a degree in Special Education
Became a Special Education to middle schoolers for two and half years
Received my master's degree in Administration from Wilmington University
Became a supervisor of a federal grant dealing with "at-risk" students for two years
Became a vice-principal of the same middle school for two years
Became a principal at an elementary school
Ran the Philadelphia Distance Run twice (half-marathons)
Completed Ironman Rhode Island 70.3
Completed more than 40 Runs/Triathlons
Volunteered numerous hours to the Buena Community
Raised $3000 for the Leukemia and Lymphomia Society

Last night following Back To School Night, I traveled to my father's burial site for some reflection. My father gave me the tools to not only survive in this world, but to excel in it. While standing near his grave, I began to laugh at myself and how I arrived to where I am today.

I just cannot wait for him to see me at Ironman Louisville.