My mind is racing right now, so hold on tight, I have no idea where this crazy thing is going to go.

First, an update on this morning's early post.  I did try hard today, and I am in a better place right now than I was 15 hours ago.

It did, indeed, take a village, though.  I had kind words from Mari, great advice from Kellan, warm sentiments from Lexi, Georgia, and Meghan, Naader entertained me, my sister listened to me, Tina and Bree honored me, Garrin reached out, Casey shared his prostate story with me, my boss supported me, Jenna took me into her confidence, Jake impressed me, Melissa encouraged me, Susan enlisted her students to inspire me, Doug endured, Patricia shone, Steve and I had a laugh, Jeneva's enthusiasm rubbed off on me, Stephanie shared healthy eating tips, Gioia educated me, my niece, Kelly provided tech support, Bella cared, Cullen was rock steady, Goodie held the fort, Ralph is my role model, Charlene made me chuckle; Kristen, Barbie, Markus, Belinda, Justin, and 'Mrs. Adams' were their usual awesome selves... Not to mention the countless students who shared their lives and time with me.

This appears to be a redundant theme in the blog, but thank you all!  I am so humbled.

The conversation with my sister was a turning point for me today. My older sister is the type every brother wishes he could have.  She is solid, consistent, open, curious, ethical, wise, encouraging, and a most excellent listener (among many traits)...  An hour on the phone with her tonight and I'm seeing things in a whole different light.  She reminded me that I am sick.  I have cancer.  She reminded me that I am in charge of getting myself better. Not my doctors. Not my family. Not my friends. She reminded me that my friends, colleagues, family, and students may be gracious, kind, and considerate, but that I must choose a selfish existence for a time.

When does a man outgrow the advice of his older sister?  I'd say never :) Thank you, Sissy, you always cut through the crap and get to the heart of the matter.


So, with all of that said, where does that leave me?  Reflecting and thinking.  I was just thinking, actually, about a handful of my students who still don't seem to want my help (let me rephrase that: they haven't allowed me to help them - yet).  I will find a way.  Speaking of helping students, I cannot even begin to tell you what an incredible staff Hope has assembled.

I love working with them and helping our kids.  That's what it's all about.

Oh, crap.  Does anyone else have the Hokey-Pokey going through their head now?

How about now?  Ugh.  As my mom would say, "Ken, make him stop!"

So, I'm over this particular entry.  I want to get technical with you now regarding my prostate cancer treatment and what's next on the agenda.  I'll do that in my next posting - and that will likely be tomorrow.  That being the case, the final word goes to Lexi Picard:

"Mr. Petronis,

Wow, what a year this has been!  I must say hands-down that you are my favorite teacher through-out my whole high school career. From your down-to-earth personality, to simply your genuine care for students & (the school) in general... Mr. P, you have definitely left an impact on my life. I believe that everything happens for a reason & that you are about to adventure into a whole new & exciting chapter of your life. Some with as big a heart as you deserves the best, and I truly mean that! I will definitely miss having your class next year... Remember: "God doesn't give us anything more than what we can handle." I hope you make an impact on everyone's lives, like you did with mine. You are much appreciated by the class of 2012."

Thank you, Lexi. I miss your wonderful smile, your exceptional posture, and your incredible dance routines.  You are one of a kind, and please don't forget that...

Carpe Diem, Lexi, and all my friends.