In the world in which we live today, it is anywhere from difficult to impossible to not be affected by all of the negativity that we’re exposed to. For example, turn on the news, and chances are you’ll feel sick from some of the things that happen in our communities. My philosophy is to “look at the glass as half full.” Therefore, in reflecting on the year 2011, I came up with some great moments and events that make me happy, grateful, and proud.
In 2011, I saw my 5-year-old son, Matthew, graduate from his Astoria preschool and move up to kindergarten. Sure, he’s gotten taller, but he’s also become funnier, more outgoing, and…wiser. The other day, I said: “Matthew, you’re a turkey. I’m going to eat you up for Thanksgiving.”
“Papa, I’m not food. I’m family,” he responded.
• • •
At a time when, in my view, teachers simply don’t get the credit they deserve for all of the things they do, I received some of the most rewarding words I could ever hear from some of my students. A few pupils from the journalism class I teach at John Adams High School in Ozone Park — the same school that I graduated from in the late 1980s — have expressed to me their desire to go to college to pursue a career in journalism. They credited my class as a big reason for the passion they developed for this field. The idea that my love of writing, creating headlines, interviewing people, taking photographs, and reporting information has had a direct impact on the career direction that any of my students are choosing is overwhelming.
It was very touching when student alumni came up to school during parent-teacher conferences and stopped by to give me a hug, or to tell me that they now understand what I was talking about when I spoke to them about life.
• • •
Years ago, I was a ring bearer at a wedding for a cousin on my father’s side of the family. This September, Matthew took on the role, serving as a ring bearer at the wedding of my wife’s cousin, Carmela. He was dressed in an elegant tuxedo, wore a boutonniere, and danced like a true gentleman as he held hands with one of the flower girls.
At the reception hall, the 6-year-old brother of the flower girl told me that he didn’t think Matthew wanted to play with him. I figured it was because he was tired.
“Matthew, are you tired?” I asked.
“No, Papa, I’m busy,” replied Matthew, who was sitting on a bench next to the beautiful, 3-year-old flower girl.
• • •
I’ve seen many businesses and restaurants in Queens come and go over the years. But to step foot inside a brand new casino in Queens? I grew up buying merchandise at the Aqueduct Racetrack Fleamarket. Now, I get to play some slot machines at the same location, just 10 minutes from where I grew up. (I can only hope that this is the beginning of a very successful relationship.)
• • •
A few other memorable events:
On a trip to the Bronx Zoo this summer, Matthew and I rode on a camel named Joshua. It wasn’t as bumpy a ride as I had anticipated.
My wife, Giovanna, and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary this year.
I turned 41 in March, my grandmother turned 91 — also in March — and I began my 13th year as a teacher in New York City (not in March). Oh, and I’ve written a few articles for this wonderful magazine.
The highlight of my year? When Matthew walked up to me one day and said, “Papa, when I get bigger, I want to be like you.”
Come to think of it, the glass is three-quarters full.
