Thursday, January 22, 2009

My Wife, My Life and My Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Dec 31, 2008, my wife Kimberly De Maria died at 10:00AM. I have been by her side for over 33 days until she died. I spent hours being with her. I was so upset that I lost my love and soul mate. It is hard to imagine that any spouse would ever bury another at 39 years of age. We were only married 2 years, 8 months, and 22 days. They were the happiest and loving years of my life. I never knew I could love so much in such a short period of time. I went on my first date with her on December 27th, 2004. We celebrated 4 years knowing each other. What a romantic. She was my best friend, my love and my life.
Her children, my step children, Naomi and Danielle Levy ( 7th & 8th grade.) were taken by their biological father to live with him. I have spent the last 4 years doing everything with them. I became their girlfriend. They just started attending West Glades MS in Parkland. If anyone knows them or has a friend at West Glades ask them to say hi for me. I miss them so much. I wish they can live with me but as a step dad I have no rights to care for them. I am heart broken. I have lost 42 pounds since her and the children's lost. They are great children. They will always be my girls.
Teaching at Forest Glen MS gives me a little peace of mind. The students have been understanding. The administration and staff have been outstanding. Mr. McDermott, I believe should be nominated principal of the year. What a caring, compassionate and friendly man. Even though we still have to do our job's, people do care in this world. This is a great school and would recommend anyone out there to work here.
As I have been working the past few days since I buried by wife 2 weeks ago, I have pondered how fragile life and time is. Being a History Teacher I know that the past can repeat itself and wonder; can we learn from it?
I know children have rights, adults have rights, even animals have rights. Children have the right to live with whoever they want. Don't get me wrong, biological parents should have their rights protected. But when children that lose their mother and are more close with their stepdad than their real father, who has the real choice? The biological parent who spent 120 days with then in 5 years or the man who loved, nurtured and cared for these girls. Sometimes the law is wrong and unfair.
But wait children have rights to choose who and where to live. It is called emancipation. Just like the slaves we emancipated from slavery, children can get their freedom too. They can't just choose who they want but must be someone willing to go to court and fight for their rights. There are places like Legal Aid and the Children's Advocacy that can fight for you. You can get a family member come and fight for you. You are not alone.
So I have come with a few quotes that I hope my students will think about:
"Tragic Events can create 2 types of people; ordinary or extraordinary."
"Before you can change the world you have to change yourself."
"Bad events can happen, but we are survivors."
"I am not a teacher but a Producer of Great Minds and Leaders."
" You can die thinking of the past, or live for the future."

After reading this, I want you to write a 150 word paper answering these questions and at least describe what 2 quotes above really mean.
What kind of person are you? Describe the type of person you are. How would someone describe you? What do you want in your future? What is your plan?

Life is fragile and we don't know how much time we have. My wife died at 39 years of age, but it wasnt short, it was full of love and life. Her children live on and they will carry on her legacy. That is why I am proud to be her husband, friend and love. I am still proud to be a father. I miss you all.