I opened up my memory box for the first time since the 1990s and found my letters from Philipp. Bittersweet memories. Wild to see West Germany and my college address of a dorm no longer standing. Admittedly I threw away (actually ripped up;-) some of his especially loving letters before he kicked me to the curb lol but I’m glad I kept many of the letters from a decade of letter writing. And it’s a good thing, it didn’t work out or I wouldn’t have found my soulmate Elizabeth Honer. Garth Brooks was right. Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers indeed. #memories #bigfriendship #RIP #life #nomorepain #firstlove
Grateful for this inspired musical balm written by my dear friend Stephanie Leotsakos as I try comprehend the light of Sifu Philipp Hackert being extinguished; a formidable light that he shared with so many. Always in our hearts.
This piece is performed by Stephanie on the violin and pianist Giovanni Longo. Stephanie Leotsakos – Composer/Soprano https://youtu.be/jHdw7EDGvnk?si=c56kJJJ3x7k9ditQ
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” — Victor Hugo
Today I learned that my friend of almost 40 years, first love, and soulmate of Susanne Hackert suddenly passed away. Sifu Philipp Hackert and I connected on so many levels when we met at Eastern Illinois in 1988. It all started with his offer to eat “spaghettis” and watch “telewision” together in Charleston Illinois. He said when he left Chicago to return to Germany in May of 1988 that he and I would always be “big” friends. 🥺 We saw each other through many phases of life, jobs, moves, mates, loss of our fathers, and the plot twist “hey Philipp I’ve fallen in love and married my soulmate Elizabeth Honer who happens to be a woman!” 🤣 Philipp was super smart, musical, athletic, industrious, funny, open minded, thoughtful, enterprising, and so proud of his family. Bye for now, Philipp. Say hello to Tarnia and my Dad. Make sure to sing some German hymns and eat Biryani for me. #werenotgettingoutalive #rip
Feeling fancy after my spirit flight was cancelled and I got to jump into United basic economy seat. No bucket seat, real tray table, I can recline, no charge for soda (or air)…..moving on up to the east side lol. In other news, Newark airport terminal B is literally the terminal that time forgot. Holy last century, Batman. And it took about an hour to go thru security with a line of about 15 people. The chartreuse carpet of gate 40-49 may not have been shag but it has clearly been traveled by many a disco platforms from back in the day. No bueno. #united #spiritairlines
I am happy to report that my larynx is currently relaxing in my throat and taking a well earned rest after a 90 minute Holy Week fach-less rehearsal. Tonight’s repertoire was a vocal village of music spanning 500 years from Lotti to Barber. Sometimes I capture amusing rehearsal retorts by recording and dating them in my music. Tonight I was delighted to find a Sandra Mercado “more drama” classic quote as we bellowed the balls to the wall Bruckner banger anthem Christus Factus. Giddy up. #churchmusician #cathedralbasilica
This weekend, we shared in the celebration of life for my dear Father in law Frank Honer. It was a joy to meet his longtime friends/neighbors and hear their Frank stories. We were so moved when his work friend teared up sharing that Frank was his mentor and meant the world to him. Little house on the prairie fans will know what I was thinking throughout; that somehow Frank was still alive and would surprise us all by coming to his celebration fashionably late. Grateful for this weekend of walking his favorite trail, looking at pictures, telling stories, and dining at his preferred sandwich shop “Chompys” (legit by east coast standards.)
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
As of 3:15pm on Friday February 27, 2026, my friend Jen has retired from teaching and is moving on to her next chapter in life. I am sad for our school as Jen exemplies the resilience and grit I’ve seen in my district over the past two decades. But, I am extremely happy for Jen as her retirement from the ever challenging teaching profession has been well earned. NBTS was lucky to have her many years of service.
What I know:
Jen is a leader.
Jen is a good human.
Jen will be missed AF.
Jen is loyal and forgiving.
Jen has been a confidant.
Jen is a reliable BS detector.
Jen has a great sense of humor.
Jen doesn’t sweat the small stuff.
Jen successfully wears many hats.
Jen has been a LGBTQ ally long before marriage equality. She was instrumental in making me feel comfortable enough to amble out of the closet I inhabited during the first few years at our school. I often feel like a social outsider but Jen’s realm is inclusive. I felt so cared for when she arranged my wedding shower at school. Her kindness and joy on our wedding day was a blessing.
Some of the things we’ve experienced together over the years have included:
Evolving acronyms…… common core…. economic downturns……..duct tape flowers…..sparkle divas……David Cook……swine flu….natural disasters….red shirts/rallying….political dis-ease…….Moms for Bieber……….reply all……………loom bracelets…..sgos……staff changes….. plagues…….online teacher chat locking/muting…………Labubus…..building relationships with Gen Alpha…..the meeting of Gen X and gentle parenting……
It’s been one heck of a ride.
So yeah, off you go Mrs Jennifer O’Hara Herrick.
I will miss the merging of our names by the littles “Mrs Herryman.”
I will always think of you when I see a bobby pin and don my rain bonnet.
