Weddings and other celebrations

Social media in general, and Facebook in particular, have provided me with some pleasant surprises. Take the photo to the right, for example. It was taken at a wedding 34 years ago today, on Dec. 31, 1977. My mom is on the left, my dad is second from the right. The groom, Ron, is on the right, and the best man, Allen, is second from the left between my mom and dad. Ron, Allen and mom, along with about 6 other people, worked together at a school that was part of a state prison.

Yep, my suburban-white-housewife-mom worked in a prison. Best professional experience of her life, but that's for another post.

On Facebook last summer, there was a wave of new pages centering on people's memories of their hometowns. I joined one for the town where I grew up, and got lots of questions like "Are you Bill's sister," or "Didn't you used to be on the radio?" (Answer to both: yes). One woman named Jean caught me off guard by asking, "Are you Barbara's daughter?" Turns out, Jean graduated from high school with one of my brothers - and is Ron's wife. We became FB friends.

Tonight, Jean posted this picture of my parents at her wedding. I'd never seen it before and when I did, I nearly cried.  Mom's younger there than I am today, but it was my dad's expression, in particular, that caught me off guard. It's as though he's looking straight at me from 1977 as I sit here on the cusp of 2012, the camera somehow acting as a communication conduit transcending time and space, and he's trying to tell me something. But what? He looks truly happy and content. I know for a fact that wasn't his regular state of mind at the dawn of 1978, so I like to think that's how he is feeling today, wherever his spirit now makes its home.

Here's the kicker: I saw my reflection in my father's face. I've spent my life being told how much I look like my dad, but I never saw it - until tonight.

I'm still trying to take it in, but Jean is an angel for posting the photo. I greatly appreciate it. And to my dad I wish a Happy New Year in heaven - or wherever. Whatever you're trying to tell me, I'll figure it out eventually!

The Book of Mormon shout out video - Dec. 28, 2011

Josh Gad was gracious enough to do a shout-out to my son, Nate, who is a HUGE fan of the Book of Mormon and anything else related to South Park. 

2011: Great year to be alive!

2012 starts tomorrow. Lots of folks are saying 2011 was terrible, but I, personally, had a great year. 

Highlights: hired by Capital Community College, Division of Continuing Education. Hired by The Conference of Churches as the Cause Communications manager, which got me back into radio (Lite 100.5 WRCH) after 12 years away! Started DigitalAmber.net. Saw two tapings of The Colbert Report and one taping each of The Daily Show and MAURY. Visited the 9/11 Memorial in NYC. Saw The Book of Mormon on Broadway. Worked with Savannah Faith to paint almost all of our home's main level, got her through high school graduation and off to Gateway Community College, New Haven. 

Shenandoah was on UCONN's Dean's list (twice) AND accepted to study abroad at the University of Amsterdam. Nate made his Confirmation and earned high honors in the first quarter of his sophomore year in high school. Spent more time with my mom. Visited my nephew Joe in New Hampshire. Renewed friendships via FB. Started a personal blog (www.vocalscore.blogspot.com). 

Thank you Governor Malloy, or Roy Occhiogrosso or whoever for not reappointing me to my former post at CT DPH. Turns out that 2011 was a year of blessings beyond measure that never would have played out as it did had I stayed there. 

For me, I hope my luck continues into 2012. For each of you it is my sincere hope and wish that your dreams for the coming year will come to pass. 

Happy New Year